"What happened to you?" His voice is soft, entirely belying his previous countenance.

I swallow hard, directing my gaze to the ground.

When I don't answer, he comes to a halt—and me with him. He moves in front of me, tipping my chin up with his thumb.

"I have witnessed this type of behavior before in the people we rescue from abusive situations. They recoil at sudden close contact in fear of being hurt. You thought I was going to hurt you."

I bite my lip as I look at him and the concern I spot in his gaze.

"What happened to you, Luce?" he murmurs in the softest, most comforting tone.

"What happens to most slaves, I guess," I say, forcing a smile.

"You were beaten," he states.

I nod.

"Were you...raped?" It's almost as if it hurts him physically to ask the question.

I slowly shake my head.

"I was lucky," I whisper. "It never got that far."

"But you were hurt."

Another nod.

He closes his eyes, releasing a deep breath.

"I apologize," he finally says.

My eyes widen in surprise.

"I shall attempt to be more careful around you. I do not wish to cause you any distress."

"Thank you..." I murmur, utterly shocked at his words.

He nods awkwardly, silence descending between us.

I'm staring straight at his face. He's looking anywhere but at me.

Clearing his throat, he tugs me along as he continues walking.

"So about that palace of yours." I smile as I switch the topic to something more pleasant.

He snorts.

"You seem very interested in my palace."

"Of course. Who doesn't like palaces?"

He regards me for a moment before he nods to himself.

"How many rooms does it have?" I ask.

"Some fifty rooms, I believe. I have never counted them."

"Wow. It must have been expensive to decorate fifty rooms," I breathe out.

He gives me a side glance, his lips twitching.

"Indeed." He straightens his back. "Very expensive. It is one of the most ostentatious palaces in the realm."

"And you live there alone?" I blink. "Don't you get... lonely?"

Fifty rooms is a lot for a single person.

His brows furrow.

"Lonely? What is that?"

I stare at him. At first, I think he's joking, but his expression of confusion is genuine.

"You know... alone?"

"I am used to being alone." He frowns.

"But you shouldn't be. Don't Cer and Thea visit you?"

"I prefer to be alone," he replies smoothly. "Cerenios and Erithea know better than to show up unannounced. I have wards all around the premises, and if an intruder thought to enter, he would be turned to dust."

"No one prefers to be alone," I remark softly, my heart clenching at the certainty I hear in his voice. "Have you never invited anyone to your palace?"

"Why should I? It is my home. I do not like strangers in my home."

"You're telling me you're completely alone in a fifty-room palace?"