SERAPHINA’S POV

He has that look on his face, similar to Artemis when he doesn't get what he wants as soon as he asks for it; confused by my rejection of an offer that probably sounded great to him and baffled that I'd have the courage to even refuse at all.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I'm grateful for the offer, that you saw something in me to bring that up, but I'm afraid that I'll have to decline, your majesty," I repeat again, clearer than the first time.

He's still bewildered, getting a bit ...