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The servers bring out our main course, placing it in front of us. Noticing it’s pork, I pick up Reign’s plate and dump the pork onto mine, giving her my potatoes and vegetables instead.

“Something wrong?” Elliot asks, setting his fork down, his smile wiped from his face. His blue eyes burn icy hot while he looks at Reign.

“She doesn’t eat pork. Make sure you remember that if you decide to wed,” I say, the words cutting deeper than intended. I don’t want anyone else feeding her or knowing all about her.

The rest of dinner drags on, filled with boring, meaningless conversation. Elliot’s subjects speak to him as if they’re old friends, sharing laughter and smiles. He doesn’t make them stand upon entering the dining room, and now that I think about it, they were eating before he arrived. He runs his kingdom differently than my father runs his. That raises a question I need answered…

“Elliot, where is your father? Where is the king?” I ask.

He places his fork down, the smile fading from his face. “He is ill. Once he feels better, he will join us.” Lies. I can sense it, almost taste it. The words sound rehearsed, and I can sense he’s hiding something.

“My parents taught me different potions. I can try to make him a healing elixir if you want…” Reign offers innocently, her sincerity tugging at my heart.

Elliot smiles a closed-lip smile at her, then reaches over and places his hand on hers. A surge of anger rises within me, and I want to cut his hand off. I have to remind that stupid organ in my chest to calm the fuck down.

“My lovely Lavender… That is sweet, but we have healers here.” He pulls his hand back, and my heart settles just a bit. Gods and goddesses, this is torture. I would rather burn for eternity in the double burning hells than watch him have her while I cannot.

I call a servant over, pouring myself another glass of brandy and downing it in one gulp. I feel Reign’s gaze on me. When I look over, I can’t decipher the look in her eyes before she averts her gaze.

“I’ve never seen anyone with your color of hair or eyes… It’s beautiful,” Princess Sarah says, her gorgeous blue eyes sparkling.

“Thank you… I have also never met anyone with my coloring.” Reign smiles shyly. She is adorable, a rarity indeed. A rare gem that is meant for me and me alone, yet I’m giving her up… and for what?

“My sister speaks the truth… You are beautiful,” Elliot adds in, while sipping his wine, his eyes burning into Reign’s with an intensity that has my shadows stirring.

“She would make some beautiful children,” the queen remarks, and my stomach churns, acid rising in my throat.

“Mother!” Elliot hisses, prompting laughter from her and the princess, while Reign’s expression shifts, a hint of sickness clouding her features. “Please ignore them. They have no class,” Elliot explains.

Reign smiles. “If you don’t mind, Prince Elliot…”

“Call me Eli.”

“If you don’t mind, Eli.” She smiles shyly. “I would like to be excused. I’m a bit tired from our travels.”

“You don’t need to ask permission. If you’re tired, you can go—it’s okay.” Elliot says it as if he’s baffled she would even think to ask. “I will walk you.” He stands.

I rise immediately. “That won’t be necessary. Her room is next to mine. I’ll make sure she gets there.” Reign looks from Elliot to me, uncertainty in her eyes.

“Very well.” Elliot walks over to Reign and kisses her hand. “Good night, my lovely Lavender. I will see you tomorrow.”

Her cheeks flush with color. “Good night, Eli.” She bows, and we exit the dining room.

We walk in silence back to our rooms. Once we’re almost there, I speak. “He is insufferable,” I say, testing her reaction.

“I think he is sweet,” she replies with a slight smile, her gaze fixed ahead.

“So, you like him? You want to marry him?” My heart races in anticipation of her response.

She halts, turning to face me. “Is that not what I’m here to do, Prince? Did you not bring me here to marry that man?” Emotions swirl in her eyes, and I can see her chest rise and fall rapidly.

“Duties and desires are two different things, Reign. You know exactly what I am asking.” Irritation seeps into my voice.

“I wish it could be both…” Now my breathing matches hers, the tension thickening the air between us. She diverts her gaze, resuming her walk until we reach her door. “You have taught me that duty is more important than desire, than my own wants. So, thank you for teaching me to put duty above all else.”

She reaches for her door handle. “Reign?—”

“Good night, Prince Lukene.” She bows, sadness etched on her face as she shuts the door.