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.

have been just as nervous in

that a good thing?" "It is, but

that I couldn't

me." Jonah looked into Jasper's dark eyes with

first

related, and he's the leader of

kind to me?"

retrieved a quaint-looking emerald ornament

intrinsic carving was of a

to tell that this wasn't

to the Kontinian royal family." A

Newton, Jasper had a keen eye

ornament from Jonah's hands

this in a museum's promotional

ornament is an antique, a

passed down through generations for

passed down to the heirs to

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

a

to me?" Jasper pressed his lips

felt a strong connection with

can understand a king's intentions?" "No, I

it to Yuliana so she can bring it back to His Royal Highness." Jasper looked