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After the last dance, cheers and laughter echoed throughout the room, and I couldn't suppress my laughter. Levon thanked everyone before fetching me a drink and, upon returning, sank beside me on the sturdy seat.

"Thank you," I said, taking a drink of water. "Where did you learn to dance like that?"

His eyes turned somber. "My mother," he replied. He looked at me, warning me not to press further, though he knew fully I would, and continued. "She was known for her art in dance and danced with me nightly. It became our little tradition before she moved on to the next world."

"I'm so sorry," I offered sympathetically, as memories of our first dinner together flooded back, along with Jesri's pointed reminder that Levon, too, was an orphan. "She must have really loved you to put up with your snobbery," I teased, hoping to lighten the mood.

He responded with a lazy smile and nodded. "She was a wonder."

I smiled. "How long ago did she pass?"

"A very long time ago. I was still young myself. She died from…a rare condition with no cure. It started with convulsions, leading to memory failure until she never woke up one day."

My heart sank as I recalled how terrified Levon had been during my first episode of convulsions after arriving here. I didn't understand why he had bothered to call a healer then, but it all made sense now.

Reaching out, I touched his arm, and he responded with a gentle squeeze. "I'm truly sorry, Levon. I can't even begin to imagine losing someone like that."

He shrugged, his muscles flexing under his tunic as he stood, gently pulling me up. "It was a long time ago, Eliah. I can barely remember her touch."

We walked out to the main hall and stepped out into the warm sun, the days were hotter now, dawning the start of summer.

"Still, I think it would be much harder to lose someone than not knowing them at all."

"That's not true," he interjected unusually quickly. "Your pain is as much a loss as mine. It still hurts."

I took a shallow breath, feeling the corset constricting against my ribs and making deep breaths impossible. I struggled to comprehend everything—myself in this absurd gown, escorted by a handsome man. Shaking my head, I tried to dampen the overwhelming emotions.

"Have you learned anything more about what the Match might entail?" I asked, trying to distract myself, no longer caring to maintain my façade.

Levon sighed, his expression troubled. "Not yet. Edmon's been preoccupied with the courting parties, but he should have more information by the week's end."

I nodded, battling the rising tide of fear. "And what about dinner with the king? How many contestants are there?"

He must have sensed my growing fear, for he squeezed my hand tighter, pulling me closer. Despite the sun's relentless heat on our backs, I found comfort in his warmth beside me.

"It'll be like any other dinner party Jesri threw, except I'll be there. And there are eight contestants, one from every region."

"Eight?" I muttered, struggling to draw in a breath against the corset. "I overheard that it's nearly impossible for anyone to secure a spot in these. How in Tyran did you and Jesri manage to get me in?"

He drew a breath. "I used to work for King Thealor, Eliah—"

"Work for?" I interrupted, unbelieving. "What do you mean youworked for? You said you worked with people who went to taverns? Not the king."

He chuckled, his laughter echoing through the open air. "I worked among his Royal Army, alongside drunkards who did frequently visit taverns."

Seeing the silent plea in my eyes for more details, he relented. "I was young when I enlisted in the Royal Army. It was ademanding environment, but it provided unparalleled access to information. I worked my way up, eventually handling private assignments from the king himself." His gaze turned distant as if haunted by memories. "As I've said before, I've done things I'll forever regret and will always carry the scars," he added, flexing his fingers.

"But how did you get out?"

"After completing numerous personal assignments for the king, he grew…agreeable, granting me the freedom to choose my own path. And so I chose this, freedom from his regiment. I wanted tohelprather than take, and I yearned for my mother to be proud of her son. And so, this," he gestured towards the surrounding trees and estate, "was my parting gift from King Thealor."

My jaw fell open, stunned into silence. It all clicked into place. Why else would Jesri befriend a man like Levon unless he had influence with the actual king? No wonder Levon's estate was fit for a king himself, adorned with rooms of pure gold. How else could a mereSirhave so many connections within the Kingdom?

Levon's laughter broke through my thoughts, and he took my hand. "I wanted to tell you from the start, but I knew it would sour the relationship we were forming, especially after you spoke sohighlyof Jesri," he teased. "I could never find the right moment, and I sincerely apologize for not being completely honest—"

"Then why?" His eyebrows narrowed in confusion. "Why do it? Why put me in?" I asked.

He let go of my hand as his face turned dark. I suddenly wished I hadn't asked the question, unsure if I truly wanted an answer.