Chapter 189. Equal Ground

Princess Elena’s POV

Eric’s eyes stayed locked on mine, unblinking and unreadable.

Then Evelyn appeared, like a timely interruption fate had planned.

“I hope I’m not disturbing,” she said calmly. “But it’s time for your training session, Princess. Sessions are to be strictly adhered to.”

I welcomed the escape. “I’ll get ready,” I said, already rising to my feet.

Eric didn’t move. He stayed where he was, watching me like I might disappear if he blinked. When I came back downstairs in my training gear, he was standing near the railing, sleeves rolled up, his posture relaxed but alert. “I’ll join,” he said simply. “If you don’t mind.”

I minded. Deeply. This was my space. My villa. My recovery. And I didn’t want his presence hovering over every part of my life again. But I refused to give him that satisfaction of knowing he rattled me.

“It’s fine,” I said, meeting his eyes head-on.

We moved to the training ground behind the villa. T