Jasper frowned, looking down at me as I collapsed in his arms, unable to hide the flicker of frustration in his gaze. The prey had walked straight into his mouth, only to be ripped away at the last second.
But just as quickly, like a man long practiced in masking his true self, Jasper smoothed away the storm behind his eyes, veiling it beneath a velvet drape of divine serenity. He turned toward the priestesses standing at the edges of the hall and issued a gentle command.
"Take Her Highness back to her chambers to rest."
Among them, Monica and Annie — the ones assigned to attend me — promptly stepped forward, each taking an arm to support my limp body.
Jasper's hand slipped reluctantly from my waist. Then he straightened, voice steady and firm as he addressed the believers below.
"Today's prayer ceremony shall be temporarily postponed. Please return to your quarters and rest."
