Chapter 139

• After another hour of conversation with Kenzo, he finally agreed to start with a more relaxed, less physical relationship. His sudden change of heart lifted a weight off my shoulders, easing the tension between us and allowing things to unfold naturally. I fought back the urge to press him about his relationship with Bopha—not just for my own peace of mind, but because I knew she was in my group. That meant I’d have ample opportunity to observe how she acted around him. My suspicions lingered, but I had grown weary of unnecessary drama.
• The next morning, Kenzo organized training on the grounds, where the entire army was hard at work. He made a point of assigning himself as my sparring partner, making the announcement loud and clear while draping his arm around my shoulders. Fortunately, Icarus was busy training his soldiers elsewhere—if he had seen Kenzo acting so familiarly with me, I had no doubt he would have exploded on the spot.
• I stopped resisting Kenzo’s advances. I decided to give him a fair chance, to meet him halfway, but I refused to make excuses for him if he messed up again.