Bonus Episode 4: Unarmored

I almost didn’t recognize her.

No makeup.

Hair looking drousled.

Black silk pajamas.

Steam still clinging to her skin from the bath.

Diana—

Without armor.

“…Stop staring,” she said.

“…I’m observing.”

She rolled her eyes slightly.

…but didn’t tell me to stop.

“…You look different,” I said.

“…I look the same.”

“…No.”

I stepped closer.

Carefully.

“…You look… softer.”

She paused.

Then—

“…Only here,” she said quietly.

That mattered.

She sat beside me, closer than usual.

Not composed.

Not distant.

Just… present.

“…Don’t get used to it,” she added.

“…I won’t.”

A lie.

She leaned slightly against me.

Just for a moment.

I didn’t move.

Didn’t speak.

Because this—

This version of her—

Was rare.

And I knew better than to break it.

“…My prince,” she murmured softly.

“…Mistress,” I replied.

Even now.

Especially now.