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“Princess Taelyn has agreed to take the hand of King Robertus of Imnor.”

My blood runs cold. “She’s what?”

“She will leave in the morning, and she’ll take that fucking Balthorne with her.”

I don’t even care about Balthorne anymore. “Why would she do that?”

“King Robertus has offered a safe passage to the people of Askos, should they need it. If she marries him, that is.”

Of course. An offer to help the people is the only thing that would have convinced Taelyn to say yes.

“Will they need it?” I ask.

“Perhaps, though it might not be for many years.”

I consider this. What is a kingdom to rule without any subjects? Am I to be the king of a ruined kingdom?

But that isn’t even the thing that bothers me the most.

“It’s excellent news,” Cirrus continues. “Now the subjects will have no choice but to crown you king.”

I don’t want it, I suddenly realize. Not without Taelyn by my side. It’s as though the news has hollowed out my chest. If she leaves, she’ll take my heart with her.

I push past him. “I need to speak to her. Where is she?”

“I’m not sure. In her chambers, I expect. She’ll be wanting to pack.”

I break into a run, ignoring the concerned looks of the servants as I race past. I know she’s not leaving until the morning, but it feels like every second I’m not with her, convincing her to stay, is a second wasted.

Why should she even listen to me, after what I did? What do I even have to offer her, except myself?

But my thoughts are conflicting. Even while I believe I’m not good enough for her, I’m also filled with raging hot jealousy.

How can she even think about allowing another man to take her? Do I mean nothing to her?

I reach her chambers and burst through the door without even knocking.

Taelyn is leaning over a bag on her bed, folding clothes into it. Her lady’s maid is helping her. They both lift their heads in surprise at my sudden entry. I draw to a halt, my mouth opening, but nothing comes out. Now I’m here, I’m unsure what I’m going to say.

How can I ever find the right words that will convince her to stay?

37

TAELYN

Ruarok seeswe’re not alone and draws to a halt.

He doesn’t say anything, just stands there, staring at me. His dark eyes are filled with fury.

I don’t want to see him, and yet, at the same time, I do. I want him to tell me Cirrus was wrong, and he’d never do anything to hurt me. I want him to take me in his arms and tell me everything will be okay, that he’ll fix this.

Still, he says nothing.

I glanced over at my lady’s maid. “Please, leave us, Skylar.”

Her gaze darts between me and Ruarok’s furious expression. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. I’ll be fine.”