“As for this situation with the rebels, I forbid you from meddling further. Do not think being the future crown princess entitles you to such liberties,” the king said, his voice hard.
I dipped my head. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
His demeanor softened. “I do not mean to cause you harm. Everything I do is for Olderea. It is time Bennett learned that too.” King Maximus met my gaze. “You may take your leave, Narcissa.”
Mustering as much composure as I could, I stood and left the room.
Bennett waited on the other side. My heart leaped treacherously at the sight of him. I wanted to ask him a million questions at once. I wanted him to hold me again. But I held myself back.
He stepped forward. “Cissa. What did Father say? Are you alright?”
I wondered if he knew the concern in his voice felt like a dagger to my chest.
“I’m fine.” I stared at my hands, which were tightly clasped before me. The emerald ring winked in the torchlight.
The union was not off, but I couldn’t keep this ring for the next year knowing that it symbolized something that may not be there by the end of it. I would get another one at the wedding, if there was one. At least the new ring would mean duty. Not whatever distracting thing was between us.
Easing it off, I placed the emerald ring into Bennett’s palm. “You were wrong. This doesn’t fit.”
He looked to the ring and back at me, realization dawning on his face.
“Come inside, Bennett,” King Maximus said.
Bennett took another step forward, but I evaded him. “Cissa,” he said beseechingly. “Father, whatever it is—”
“Inside, now.”
“You can’t possibly break this off after everything she has done,” he burst out, looking more panicked than I had ever seen him. “Narcissa is more than qualified to be crown princess.”
“Inside! Come inside and close the door,” King Maximus said, raising his voice. “Or have you forgotten your duty?”
Bennett’s breath hitched. A foolish part of me thought he would speak for me. That he would take my hand and stand his ground. That he would yell at his father and beg him to let him feel a little. But he merely stared at me—stared as he had never before.
Then, Bennett shut the door.
Every ounce of my composure shattered. What had I expected? That he was going to chase after me? Defy the king?
It didn’t matter that he adopted a cat for my sake or bought me gifts or worried about me. He would do anything the king wanted. He would fall right out of love with me.
Duty came before all else for Bennett. I was a fool for ever hoping otherwise.
