บท 76: Platonic Feelings

Iyana cautiously examined Vyan's blank face once the question left her mouth, her heart pounding in her chest. 

He stared back, unflinching, and she began to wonder if she had just crossed into forbidden territory. 

Is he embarrassed? Or worse, offended? Maybe I should have just said I have no guesses at all. Is it too late to take it back—

Then, unexpectedly, Vyan lowered his head, and Iyana's anxiety skyrocketed. 

This is it. The moment of awkward silence that could end their currently amicable relationship.

But just as the tension reached its peak, Vyan burst out laughing. 

Iyana blinked in confusion. Was this some new defense mechanism?

"What in the name of heavens?" Vyan managed between laughs, clutching his stomach. "A crush on Princess Althea? How did you even come up with that?"

Iyana's panic button was officially pressed. "What? You don't?" She blurted out, her mind racing.