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“He could have told me.Youcould have told me,” I reply, unable to stop the guilt that stings my gut when I see the regret on James’s face

“We didn’t want to hurt you.”

“What else aren’t you telling me?” I press. His eyes flash with even more guilt, and a nauseating dread knots in my stomach. Gods and goddesses, what are they hiding from me?

“Lukene has a troubled past, Reign. His main concern has always been this kingdom, until you came along…” James says, spinning me around as the music shifts to a livelier tempo.

“Does that anger you, Captain?” I ask, genuinely curious.

“Not at all. I love Luke as a son. I never thought I’d see the day he truly loved someone.” He pauses, and I get stuck on that one word: love. Does Lukene love me? Is that what I feel for him? “However, this love… It’s damning. No good will come from it. Only pain, Reign.”

“Why?” I ask, catching the turmoil in James’s eyes. He opens his mouth to answer but gets cut off.

“Can I cut in?” Prince Lukene asks, placing a firm hand on James’s shoulder.

James gives him a knowing smile and steps aside, nodding. Lukene takes his place, clasping one of my hands and guiding my other to his shoulder while wrapping his arm around my lower back.

“You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Reckless,” he says softly.

I inhale sharply, closing my eyes for a moment before meeting his intense gaze. “Shouldn’t you be saying that to your betrothed?”

Now it is his turn to close his eyes and inhale deeply, like what I said greatly wounded him. “I didn’t agree to it… I practically begged my father to give me a few days to find a wife, anyone besides her.”

“So, what royal do you plan to marry?” I ask, my voice bitter.

“Reign…” he breathes.

“I get it. It’s your duty, right? That’s what you are going to say—that’s the cow shit you will feed me… Don’t expect me to say it tastes good.” I can’t look into his eyes anymore, so I look off the dance floor to James. His posture is impeccably straight as he stares at Lukene and I, a fatherly look plastered on his stern face. “Enough talk. I’m going to find a better dance partner…” I say, trying to step away, but Lukene holds me tight.

“You won’t find better. Let me show you.” He pulls me flush against him, his scent flooding my senses. It’s intoxicating—he’s intoxicating. As if the musicians know our unspoken need, the song shifts to sharp, rhythmic notes.

Lukene’s steps are crisp and precise. We move perfectly to the beat, our eyes never breaking contact. He spins me out, then pulls me back, his hand sliding lower on my back. His touch is possessive but tender. Our dance becomes a silent conversation: every step a question, every turn an answer. My heart is pounding fiercely as I finally admit to myself that I need this man, this dark prince—mydark prince.

We move in perfect synchronization around the dance floor. The room and people around us seem to disappear and fade into a blur. I’m left with this handsome, troubled man before me. His green eyes are full of emotions as his mask slips, revealing glimpses of the man beneath. There is more to the dark prince than the shadows that hide him. Beneath the shadows, he’s kind, loving, and deeply caring—qualities he hides to maintain his façade.

I can’t help but stare at his mesmerizing green eyes that I just want to get lost in. With each spin and step, I realize that I will do anything for this man. I never want to hurt him. Then it dawns on me—I don’t think I can hurt him by killing Vanna. Can I really give up my revenge? It was all I had. It was what made me survive the Hollows. Being true to myself, I admit that I would give it all up for him. Vengeance kept me going, but Lukene’s love gives me purpose.

The music crescendos as he spins me out one final time, pulling me back into his arms. Then he dips me, running his hand down my neck. My chest is moving rapidly as he glides down my exposed chest to my navel. He brings me back up, pulling me close to him. Every inch of me is touching him. I am mindful not to allow my hands on his chest. Our faces are mere inches from each other while we share breath. His chest movement mirrors my own. He begins to lower his mouth to mine but before he makes contact, Elm interrupts.

“Stop hogging the champion. It’s my turn.” Elm grins, stepping between us. Lukene takes a step back, retreating to stand with James, Kylo, and Lilyana.

“Gods, what were you thinking! Vanna is watching you!” Elm hisses.

“I wasn’t thinking.” My cheeks burn with embarrassment. Lukene is betrothed, but I can’t stop the way I feel about him. “Elm… I think we should call off the revenge. Call off killing Vanna.”

“Absolutely not. We are so clos—” he starts, but I cut him off.

“Listen… We are free. We have a chance at a real life. Let’s just let it go and live for once, Elm. Let’s live.” I plead, my voice filled with hope. “If I can live a happy life, where you and I are free, I’d choose that every time.”

He spins me around, and when he pulls me back, he stops dancing and kisses me on the top of my head. “Okay. Okay, we can give it up. I still hate the bitch. I am going to be able to leave in a few days once I am done training to find my husband, and I would love nothing more than to just be with him and be happy. I can’t wait for you to meet him. You will love him.”

“Then let’s grab a drink and toast to being happy.” I flash him a big smile, and together, we walk off the dance floor.

Ican’t keep my eyes off Reign. Her beauty is captivating as she dances around the ballroom. I am not the only one to notice her either. Wanting to strike down every man staring at what is mine has my shadows stirring just under my skin. Then I spot Cora chatting with her. I watch, waiting, until Reign storms off toward the balcony. Just as I move to follow, Cora steps in front of me.

“Dance with me!” she says, her voice bright and insistent.

“Not now, Cora…”