Seraphina's POV
There was a brief pause after I said my name, and then Darius's voice came through the line again, but it was laced with clear amusement.
"Well, I can't say I expected to hear from you this soon," he admitted. "In fact, I didn't think you'd call at all."
I sighed, immediately feeling like this had been a mistake. Maybe he had only given me his number to be polite, not because he had any intention of actually keeping in touch.
"I didn't expect to call either," I muttered. "But if your highness is too busy, I understand. Forget I—"
"I'm not busy." His voice cut through before I could finish. "I'm just… surprised. That's all."
I let out a breath, gripping my phone a little tighter. At least he wasn't brushing me off.
"So," he continued, his tone shifting slightly. "What's going on? Is everything alright?"
A wave of relief washed over me. He was listening. That was all I needed for now.
