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His expression softens. “It doesn’t have to be.”

“Doesn’t it?” I sit up, clutching the sheet to my chest. “You’re about to become king. I’m a human scientist. And what about Aria? Aren’t noble families supposed to form alliances through marriage?”

A flash of irritation crosses his face at the mention of Aria. “I told you before: I’m not interested in Aria or anyone else. Only you.”

The intensity in his voice makes my heart skip a beat. “Griffin—”

“Come to the ceremony,” he says suddenly. “When I reclaim the throne. Be there with me.”

I stare at him. “You want me at the ceremony? Why?”

He reaches out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Because having you there would make it bearable.”

The raw honesty in his voice catches me off guard. I’ve spent my life being needed by others—my mother, my patients, my colleagues. But this feels different. Griffin doesn’t need mebecause he’s weak or incapable. He wants me there because my presence makes him stronger.

“Okay,” I find myself saying. “I’ll be there.”

His smile is like the sunrise—slow and warm and full of promise. He leans forward, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips.

“Now I really should go,” I say when we pull apart. “I need to shower and change before I head into the lab. I’m working on recreating the formulas the Silver Ring is using so that I can come up with a cure.”

He nods, releasing me reluctantly. “I’ll see you tonight?”

It’s a question, not an assumption. Despite the intimacy we’ve shared, he’s still giving me space to choose.

“We’ll see,” I say, but the smile I give him softens the words.

I dress quickly, grateful he doesn’t watch me fumble with my clothes. Once I’m decent, I turn back to find him sitting on the edge of the bed, pulling on his pants.

“I’ll walk you out,” he offers, but I shake my head.

“I know the way,” I assure him. “You have duties to attend to, Your Majesty.”

He rolls his eyes at the title but doesn’t argue. “Until tonight, then.”

I slip out of his chambers, feeling oddly light despite the complexity of the situation. The palace is beginning to wake, staff moving quietly through the corridors. I keep my head down, hoping to avoid notice as I make my way toward the exit.

I’ve almost reached the main doors when a voice stops me cold.

“Well, well. The human scientist, sneaking out of the palace at dawn. How...predictable.”

I turn to find Aria watching me, her expression cold and calculating. She is immaculately dressed despite the early hour, not a hair out of place. I’m acutely aware of my rumpled clothes and messy hair.

“I’m not sneaking,” I say, lifting my chin. “I work here, remember?”

She steps closer, nostrils flaring slightly. Then her eyes widen, disgust twisting her features. “You smell like him,” she hisses. “He’s all over you.”

I take an involuntary step back. “I don’t know what you’re—”

“Don’t insult my intelligence,” she snaps. “You’ve been with Griffin. In his bed.”

Heat floods my face, but I refuse to be shamed. “That’s none of your business.”

Her laugh is cold and brittle. “Oh, sweetheart. Everything about Griffin is my business. Our families have been entwined for generations. We’ve been meant for each other since we were children.”

“That’s not what he says,” I reply, hating the defensive note in my voice.

“Of course it isn’t. He’s been affected by his captivity. Confused.” She steps closer, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. “But he’ll come to his senses soon enough. The elders won’t allow him to waste himself on a human. Know your place, Dr. Sorin. You’re a momentary distraction, nothing more.”