, every servant held their breath, their eyes fixed on me. I stood before the throne, the polished marble floor cold beneath my thi

day my life had a

tanding beside his new love, Lady Seraphina, as they watched me die. I had given him everything-my heart, my family's influence, my future

ushed in, terrified, telling me I was simply nervous about the ceremony. I was alive. I

d not make th

limmer of affection for me. I was the daughter of his most trusted Duke, a man who had died in his service. "You have c

mies. He stood straight and tall, his face a mask of stoic calm. He was a man of few words, a warrior whose loyalt

own nephew. He had a smile that could melt the resolve of any woman. It

d, his lips curled into a slight sneer. A a low, sharp wa

about it, Elara. Y

ill the lovesick fool from before, a girl who would cling to him no matter how h

p forward, ignoring me completely

g with false passion. "I thank you for this honor

gh the hall. This was an unpr

ired woman in a shimmering silver gown. Lady Seraphina. She looked down, a perfect pic

d. "I beg you, Your Majesty, to grant us

s of his throne. He was a man who valued tradition and honor above all else. Adria

, dangerous growl. "You dare make a mo

le. They were waiting for the heartbroken princess to beg for the prince who had just publicly sham

not that g

old axe fuel my resolve. I would not be a victim

ed, I began to walk. My steps were slow, deliberate. I walked right past him, not even gracing

tly in front of

. His gray eyes held a flicker of surprise, nothing more. H

clear and steady, loud enough

e Genera