I waited.
He exhaled through his nose, like the words pained him. “Theron wants me to marry Inderia.”
My stomach clenched.
“And?” I bit out.
“I told him I’m in negotiations with her father to find her another… prince.”
The tension that had been simmering between us all morning surged like a broken dam.
“That’s not a solution, Zander. That’s a delay,” I snapped. “You’re just buying time. You will be expected to choose another noble someday.”
He took a step closer, heat flashing in his eyes. “I’m trying to navigate this without destroying everything.”
“Oh, I know,” I said bitterly. “You’re really good at navigating. You keep me tucked away like some bloody secret you regret.”
“That’s not fair.”
“Isn’t it?” My voice cracked. “You can’t acknowledge what is between us. Sure, it’s okay to fuck me, but that’s not expected to be permanent. Perhaps you should marry Inderia.”
“You were never supposed to be part of this war,” he ground out, his voice rough.
“I was never given the choice,” I shot back, heart hammering. “None of us were. But I’m here. And I’m bleeding for this realm just like you.”
His hands clenched at his sides. The air between us felt like it might catch fire, the tension turning tight and breathless.
He stepped forward again, too close, eyes locked on mine like he was daring me to move. I felt it. The pull, the weight, the magnetic heat of something that wanted more.
But we didn’t give in.
I turned on my heel before he could close the distance.
“I’m done being the afterthought in your royal plan,” I said, and stormed off before I could look back.
Because if I did, I wasn’t sure I’d leave.
I walked toward the Yarrow Gardens, each step heavy with the weight of words I hadn’t said and emotions I couldn’t afford to show.
I didn’t want to talk to anyone. Not Zander. Not my squad. Not even Kaelith.
Not until I got my breathing under control, until the sting behind my eyes stopped threatening to spill over.
But my timing, as always, was rotten.
Inderia stepped into the path like she’d been waiting for it, for me.
She wore a gown of pale-blue silk that shimmered like sunlight, delicate embroidery curling along the sleeves like frost. Her golden hair was pinned high, a sapphire diadem gleaming in her crown of curls.
She looked every inch the princess she was. Regal. Untouchable.
And her eyes narrowed the moment they landed on me.
“Running from something, commoner?” she asked, voice as smooth as polished stone. “Or just sulking after being reminded of your place?”
I stiffened.
She stepped closer, the sound of her heels crisp against the cobblestones. “You should be grateful, you know. Most women like you end up in the kitchens or the mines. But you? You’ve managed to wrap yourself in dragon fire and seduce a prince. Impressive.”
