“Our union could bring years of prosperity to the entire region and ensure that all clans would live in peace. That is the role of a queen, is it not? To stand above all dragon clans?
For reasons unknown to me, I nodded again.
“It’s settled then. I will announce that we came to an agreement.”
“Wait! What?” I peered back at him.
“You agreed to accept my hand.”
“No. I did not.”
“Yes . . .Yes, you did.”
“Lord Dayton, you misunderstood me. I simply agreed to think about your generous proposal.”
With those words, I stood up.
Lady Corliss immediately approached me and, giving Lord Dayton a pleasant smile, pulled me aside.
"What do you think you are doing?" She hissed in my ear. "Lord Dayton is the best possible candidate. His family holds nearly as much influence as the queen herself. You may not know your own interests, but think about the interests of all the people in Talman. Do you want another war between clans to destroy our civilization for good?"
"Of course not, I —"
“Then do what is expected of you. Fulfill your role as the bearer of the sacred blood, take this man as your husband, and produce an heir. That is all that is expected of you. Do your part and live your life freely with anyone you want.”
With that final remark, she glanced at Kent, then turned on her heels and joined Lord Dayton. I stood for a moment, unsure of what to do, before slowly making my way toward the palace entrance.
Kent was beside me the whole time, but we did not exchange a single word until we reached my room.
“May I ask you a question?” I said at last.
Kent paused by the doorway, his shoulders tense.
“Sure.”
“What would you do if you were in my position?”
“Careful, milady. I may say something that can not be unsaid.”
“Even so. I want to hear it.”
“No.”
“No?”
He sighed and slightly shook his head.
“I would never accept a man who would be willing toabandon his own family in order to start a new one,” he said and his voice sounded hard.
“What about all the responsibilities of being an heiress?”
“You are a person... not a vessel to bear children.”
I turned away, gripping the door handle.
Suddenly, a hand landed on the door beside my head, trapping me between the wooden panel and the strong chest of the male behind me. His face lowered to my ear. The skin on my jawline and neck tingled from the whisper of hot breath, the coils of my hair swayed gently.
“You deserve so much more than that, Alina.”
