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“Don’t be so hard on yourself. You sought to protect yourself from the cruel fate you were born into.”

“A venture that ended with me marrying the worst woman on earth and losing you. It wasn’t worth it.”

She didn’t say anything, but her fingers continued tracing circles on my skin, leaving a simmering flame beneath them.

“I love you, Mira. So much.”

I hadn’t noticed the words slip out, but once they were out, I felt oddly relieved, like a weight was lifted off my chest. The circles on my palms stopped.

“You can’t say things like that to me a few hours before my wedding,” she replied, her features taut and her eyes glued to the floor.

“Look at me, Mira.”

When she didn’t, I hooked my thumb beneath her chin, turning her head to me, but her eyes refused to meet mine.

“Please,” my voice was raw and needy, and I was slowly getting to the point where I didn’t mind begging.

She lifted her eyes, and I could see her wet lashes and glistening eyes. My heart dropped. I wanted to explain myself, but like the asshole I was, I somehow managed to make her cry.

I couldn’t find the words to console her, so I pulled her into a hug instead, soaking myself in her for the last time. I don’t know how long the hug lasted, but as we slowly pulled apart, something was different in the air and the way she looked at me. It was like we had arrived at a silent conclusion.

I didn’t wait for confirmation before I dipped my head and captured her lips in mine.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Mira

“I still can’t believe you were able to convince Lady Sheila to come over to our side. She’s known to protect her peace and stay out of pack politics. She must really like you,” Ella said as we were adding the finishing touches to our plans.

“I was honestly surprised by how easy it was to bring her over. Apparently, she was already sick and tired of the nonsense going on in the court.”

“And the ladies? I heard most of them have pledged their loyalty to Lilith’s family. Lady Sheila is formidable, no doubt, but we need numbers to win.”

I smiled at her worry-etched features and tense shoulders. She was right about Lady Sheila being only one woman, but what she didn’t know was that Lady Sheila came from a long line of pureblood royals,a formidable family of warriors that ranked higher than Lilith or any other person in the court. She just hides it really well.

“Lady Sheila has spoken to some of the men in the court and instructed her trusted ladies to speak to their men. It appears most of them can’t say no to her. Don’t worry your pretty head about numbers. We have them.”

On the topic of worry, I have not caught a wink of sleep and was tethering on the brink of insanity since the night Ella gave me the button at the garden.

I was able to recognize the button from working as Griffin’s maid. It came from the traditional royal ceremonial attire. What I didn’t know was that every member of the royal family had one tailored the same way.

I pulled every string of connection I had to find the person who designed the robes. I knew they were custom-made, and the buttons could only be gotten from the original designer. When I accessed their purchase file, the name that stared back at me broke what was left of my shattered heart and mocked every drop of hope I had left in me.

All I knew was that this wasn’t a war Ella and I could fight on our own, and that I needed someone with power and influence who could help me penetrate through the court and figure out what exactly was going on. That was where Lady Sheila came in. Her support was immeasurable.

“I don’t know if it’s in my place to ask, but did she make any requests of you? Lady Sheila, I mean?”

“No, Ella. She believes that my fight for justice would help weed out the bad crop, and it’ll be a win-win situation for the court.”

“Did no one tell you the princess is supposed to be well-rested and rejuvenated on her wedding eve?” Mrs. Clark, the woman in charge ofmy pre-wedding rituals said, walking into the room with a huge basket and a soft smile.

Ella got to her feet, a soft pink hue dusting her cheeks. “Sorry Mrs. Clark. Good night, Princess.”

“Goodnight, Ella,” I replied, sending her a smile.

Mrs. Clark proceeded to empty the contents of her basket. They ranged from fertility boosters to clay masks to others I didn’t bother committing to memory. I already knew I wouldn’t be using any of them.

“I believe Ella already prepared the milk bath for you. You’ll need to soak yourself in it after applying the red mask. It’ll make your skin soft and supple and relax your muscles for the action that follows.”