Unable to sleep, Paedyn goes to the palace gardens and returns to the willow tree where she often hides to think. There she finds Kai already waiting in the shadows. Although Paedyn knows she should leave, Kai invites her to stay, lays his coat on the ground for her, and convinces her to lie beside him beneath the tree.

As they talk, Kai explains that he has come to this spot since childhood because it gives him a quiet escape from palace life. Paedyn admits she comes for the same reason. Their conversation grows more personal when Kai mentions the injuries he suffered growing up, including broken bones from his training.

When Paedyn presses him, Kai reveals that learning to use a Healer’s ability meant his father forced him to break his own bones and heal them, and sometimes endure sword wounds so he could stitch himself back together. Paedyn is horrified and asks how Kai can avoid hating the king, but Kai says the king made him strong. Paedyn recognizes the damage behind his calm answer and reflects on how both she and Kai were shaped by harsh childhood training, though her father acted out of love while Kai’s father acted out of control and ambition.

To lighten the mood, Kai teaches Paedyn how to play thumb war, and their teasing turns flirtatious. They joke about stealing, childhood games, and their opposite feelings about blueberries and other fruit. The playfulness lets them relax with each other, and Kai makes it plain that he wants Paedyn’s company specifically, not just anyone’s.

When Paedyn finally cheats to win, Kai pulls her fully against him and the moment shifts from playful to openly intimate. Kai trails his fingers along her arm and neck, and Paedyn nearly gives in to the closeness before forcing herself to break away. As she leaves, Kai gently wraps his jacket around her shoulders, ending the night with another sign of his growing tenderness toward her.