"Why are you bringing all this up?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
Abuchi took a slow breath, and then, calmly, dropped the bomb.
"Would you be willing… to go with me on an undercover mission to Purlit?" he asked. "To find my fiancée. To save her and her family."
The words hit her like a punch.
She blinked again. "What?"
He didn't repeat it.
Because it was ridiculous.
A handful of people. Him. Maybe a few of his trusted friends. And now her. Sneaking into an overthrown kingdom under enemy rule? For a rescue mission?
He could already hear how stupid it sounded. What am I even saying? he thought.
He rubbed his forehead and turned around quickly, already regretting saying it out loud. "Forget it," he muttered. "I've clearly lost my mind"
But then he felt her hand grab his.
He turned, surprised.
Nnenna looked straight into his eyes, her grip firm and steady.
"Yes," she said.
Just one word. But her voice didn't waver.
Abuchi stared at her like he hadn't heard right. "What?"
