Can’t Win Me Back

"What's wrong, Jonah? Is something on your mind?" Seeing that they were alone, Jasper seized the chance to approach Jonah.

His gaze was firm as he pressed on, "Did something happen when you were in the palace? "Everyone's overwhelmed by Lyse's situation.

The psychological pressure on you must be just as intense, maybe even more than the rest of us." Jonah met Jasper's concerned gaze, feeling moved.

"Jasper, I really appreciate you noticing how I'm feeling, even at a time like this." "Don't say that, Jonah.

We're family.

To me, you and Lyse are equally important." Since losing contact with Alyssa, Jasper had been restless, plagued by sleepless nights and a constant state of anxiety.

Every shift in the moods of those around him only magnified his own stress, making him hypersensitive and on edge.

"What really happened?" "To be honest, not much." Jonah pursed his lips.

"After entering the palace, I met the king.

He was kind and friendly, giving me a personal tour.

We even dined together and talked about my health and work.

"He felt like a warm-hearted elder, not a king.

Even though I'm not from Kontinia, it made me feel unworthy of all that attention." Jasper understood how Jonah felt.

would have been just as nervous in Jonah's

that a good thing?" "It is, but it's

so that I

looked into Jasper's dark

first time

and he's the leader of

to me?"

he gave me this." Jonah retrieved a quaint-looking emerald ornament from

intrinsic carving was of

to tell that this wasn't something

the Kontinian royal family." A gleam flashed

his upbringing under Javier and Newton, Jasper

from Jonah's hands

in a

emerald ornament is an antique, a

down through generations for

that it's only passed down to

it's meant for crown princes." "Say what?" Jonah stared at the ornament,

a significant item to his

it to

he just felt a strong connection

intentions?" "No, I can't

it back to His Royal Highness." Jasper looked down at the cold emerald ornament in his palm,