Chapter 90 CHAPTER 90
Liam watched the front door close behind Lisa, the soft click echoing far louder in his chest than it should have. For a moment he stayed in the car, resting his hands on the steering wheel, breathing slowly as he tried to steady the storm of emotions swirling inside him. The warmth of her kiss still lingered faintly on his cheek. The feel of her hand brushing his still hummed against his skin. Everything about her - the softness, the modest courage she’d shown, the trust she’d placed in him - it all tightened around his heart in a way he hadn’t expected.
He drew in one slow breath, then another, before finally stepping out of the car. His legs felt strangely light as he crossed the courtyard and climbed the palace steps. This conversation had been looming in his thoughts the entire drive back, growing heavier each time he imagined Ethan’s face reacting to the news.
He reached the door of the study and paused long enough to straighten his shirt. Then he knocked.
“Come in,” Ethan called from inside.
Liam pushed the door open and stepped in. Ethan was bent over a stack of documents, but looked up immediately, brushing a hand over his brow.
“How did the picnic go?” he asked, a smile pulling at his mouth. “Did you manage to get her to relax, or is she still stressing herself sick over school?”
Liam nodded awkwardly. “I… managed to help her with that, yes. But there was another… complication.”
Ethan’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You sound like you’re about to tell me something bad happened. What kind of complications are we talking about? Did something happen on the way? Did someone attack…”
“No, no,” Liam interrupted quickly, holding up both hands. “Nothing like that. Lisa is safe.”
Ethan leaned back, confused. “Then what complication could there possibly be?”
Now that the moment had arrived, Liam felt as though his tongue had thickened in his mouth. He shifted his weight, unable to meet Ethan’s gaze for a moment.
“This involves… me,” he said quietly. “Me and Lisa.”
Ethan blinked, still confused. “Okay…? Liam, you’re worrying me. Just say it.”
Liam let out a slow breath, gathering his courage.
“Ethan… I don’t know how you’re going to take this, and I understand if you’re upset or disappointed. But I didn’t want you to hear it from anyone else. I owe you this honesty.”
Ethan tapped his fingers on the desk. “Liam, you’re making me nervous. Just tell me.”
Liam swallowed. “During the picnic… Lisa and I… we shared a kiss.”
Ethan didn’t move. His face didn’t even change. It was as though he hadn’t heard correctly.
So Liam continued, his voice lower.
“It wasn’t accidental. It wasn’t a moment of impulse. I’ve been feeling something for her for a while now - longer than I should have. But I didn’t act on it because I didn’t know how she felt and I didn’t want to add to the weight she already carries. I never wanted to confuse her or push her or complicate her life. I thought I had everything under control until this afternoon when….” His voice trailed off.
He looked down, fingers curling tightly at his sides.
“But today… it just happened. And it wasn’t one-sided. She feels the same. We talked, and we agreed that despite everything, the bond, her past, the uncertainty, we want to explore what this is. We want to see where this goes.”
There was a long silence.
Liam finally forced himself to look up.
Ethan was staring at him with an unreadable expression, one eyebrow slightly raised.
“So…” Ethan said slowly, “you like my sister?”
Liam’s breath caught. But he nodded. “I like her very much.”
Another beat of silence.
Then Ethan leaned back in his chair and gave the most unexpected reaction Liam could have imagined.
“Liam,” he said, baffled, “what exactly did you expect me to scold you for?”
Liam blinked. “For… kissing her? For wanting to date her? For… for overstepping?”
Ethan frowned. “Why would I be angry about that?”
“Because she’s your sister,” Liam said weakly. “And she’s been through so much. And I didn’t want you to think I was taking advantage or….”
“Liam,” Ethan cut in, shaking his head, “I’ve known you since we were kids. I know exactly what kind of man you are. You don’t act on impulse. You don’t behave disrespectfully. And you would never make Lisa feel unsafe. Ever.”
Liam stared at him, stunned.
Ethan continued gently.
“I know my sister. I know how closed off she used to be. If she opened her heart to you, it’s because she feels safe in your hands, not trapped in someone else’s expectations. And that means more to me than anything.”
Liam exhaled slowly, relief flooding through him. But Ethan wasn’t finished.
“Honestly,” Ethan said with a soft smile, “I’m grateful. I’ve wanted her to find someone who would see her - really see her - and not her scars or her past. Someone who would actually care for her heart. If that person is you, Liam… then I’m happy. Truly.”
Liam almost laughed - partly from relief, partly from disbelief.
“You’re… not angry?” he asked.
“Of course not,” Ethan said. “Why would I be? My sister has found someone good. Someone steady. And if the two of you need time together, I’ll reshuffle your patrols or whatever else is needed. And if challenges come, you won’t face them alone.”
Liam felt something warm and heavy settle in his chest, a mix of gratitude and a renewed sense of loyalty.
“Thank you,” he said quietly. “I didn’t expect you to take it like this.”
Ethan chuckled. “Liam, you’ve fought beside me, bled beside me, protected me for years. If there’s one person, I trust with my sister… it’s you.”
Liam bowed his head, overwhelmed by the moment.
“But,” Ethan added lightly, “if you break her heart, I’ll break your legs.”
Liam let out a startled laugh, and Ethan joined him, the tension dissolving completely into something warm and hopeful.
For the first time since the picnic, Liam felt the world settle into place.