163 My Centre

~Lucas~

I had never felt such intense emotions for anyone as I did for Gemma, and the thought of losing her was unbearable. Katalina's outburst outside the council hall, triggered by my decision to end the engagement, was proof of the turmoil my actions had caused.

It was imperative that I rectify this situation and make my true feelings clear to Lord Vino. He deserved to know the reality of the situation, which is why I ventured to the palace.

With the current state of affairs in our continent, waiting to speak to him outside would only worsen matters.

Now, standing face to face with him, though it seemed sensible to heed Gemma's request and leave, I understood that doing so would mean walking away from her entirely. Therefore, I stood my ground.

"Are you daft?" Lord Lawrence finally inquired, to which I shook my head.

"I'm just a fool in love, sir," I replied, and he scrutinised me.

"How did you two meet?" he queried, his expression appearing to soften. While it might have s