“You guys need to get yourselves a little under control,” he said, voice low but firm. “Elira’s a princess now. You can’t hoard her like she’s treasure.”
“She’s ours,” I said flatly. “She belongs with us.”
Jasper looked at me. Not angry—just tired.
“No,” he said. “She belongs to her kingdom.”
I didn’t respond.
He continued anyway. “They need her now, more than ever. Virell has been hiding in the shadows for years. After what Vael did here... people stopped believing in a future.”
“And now she’s supposed to carry it on her back?” I asked. “Alone?”
Jasper didn’t answer right away.
“No,” he said eventually. “But she’s not a secret anymore. And she’s not just yours.”
I clenched my jaw, turning my eyes toward the distant cliffs. The sea was wild today, crashing hard against the rocks below the castle. I understood what he meant. I did.
It didn’t make it easier.
“I’m not trying to keep her from them,” I said finally. “I just don’t want them to eat her alive.”
Jasper exhaled slowly, his voice quieter now.
“They will,” he said. “If she lets them. That’s why she needs people who see her for more than a crown.”
“She has that,” I said. “She has us.”
He didn’t argue. Just gave a small nod and stepped away, leaving me staring out at the churning sea.
The truth was—it wasn’t the kingdom I didn’t trust.
It was the world.
And what it always tried to take from girls like her.
So no, I wouldn’t hoard her.
But I’d walk beside her through the fire.
And gods help anyone who tried to pull her back into the dark.
Chapter 7
Elira
I escaped to the balcony at first opportunity. Leo had gone to get us drinks. I watched the vultures circle—and I knew I needed to breathe.
Outside, the night air was cool and fresh. I liked seeing the moon here. It was big, visible and silver, like a watchful eye. I walked to the railing and leaned against it.
I almost wanted to rip the dress from my body. My skin was crawling. I breathed deeply, in and out. I let my shadows swirl around me in case someone came looking.
A small cough caught my attention.
At the far end of the balcony, I caught the faint glow of a cigarette.
The red tip flared softly in the dark.
