“I watched from the sidelines for a long while, trying to hunt down clues to what you liked. I wanted to find common interests, impress you. You were surrounded by suitors, and I was plotting clever ways to steal you away to the garden. When I approached you, all my plans vanished. The look you gave me—it was like I’d drowned your pet.” His voice turned soft, quiet. “You hated me then, before I even had a chance to win you over. So yes, Adriana, I think we need to discuss that night. Because in my version, I wanted a much different outcome for our story. I wanted to give you my royal mark.”
