Yet, Kalliassawme. Beyond my title and predetermined duty. He knew I’d never be content to live caged, birthing heirs on command. I imagined Tallon already had a governess hired to whisk my newborn babes away to teach them his ways. The thought poisoned my resolve.
I missed a step, my boot catching on the final one, and stumbled. Hot tears blurred my vision, and I clung to the railing, breathing hard.
I forced myself to stop. To breathe. The last thing I needed was to be seen weeping like a scorned lover in the halls. My grip tightened on the rail, and the cold engraved dragonfly dug into my palm, anchoring me.
This was my duty. My father trusted my honor. My mother had once been a stranger to him, yet their love grew with time. Perhaps I could learn to love another—not the king on the balcony.
The world tilted as a rough hand clamped over my mouth. I thrashed, heels scraping stone, and clawed at the fingers sealing off my scream. As the assailant hauled me to the side, my teeth sank into his finger.
“Whore!”
My breath fled when my back slammed into the wall, his body pinned hard against mine. Grit scraped my skin as Tallon’s furious face came into view, his black hair wild, and his pale cheeks splotched red.
“You couldn’t settle for me, could you?” His sneer twisted his features into something cruel.
I bucked against his hold, slamming my palms into his chest. “Get off me!”
“I bet you didn’t tell him that!”
Teeth bared, I struggled against his weight. Better to face the snake. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I growled.
“How long have you been sneaking around with him? Every night?” He seethed, hatred distorting his features.
My palm cracked across his cheek. His head snapped to the side, and his hand rose as if to return the blow.
“Go on, Tallon.” I snarled, leaning into him. “I dare you.”
He hesitated, then lunged. His fingers gripped my throat—not to choke, but to pin me in place.
Fury boiled in my veins. “You’re riskingeverything!”
“I never wanted this marriage,” he spat. Wine soured his breath as he leaned closer. “But my father demanded it. Signed me away to you, and for what? I don’t need your worthless dragons!”
His words hit harder than the hand on my throat. Another rejection, this time delivered with venom.
He sneered. “Perhaps you planned it all along—what does he need me for if he can make another heir?”
“You’re drunk!” I spat.
His fingers tightened with a warning squeeze, and my hands brushed his tunic, shying away from the press of his body. My grasp danced around his belt, searching.
“Perhaps, but I’ve more sense than my rutting father. I don’t need you orhim.Radaan is mine, and–”
I flicked my wrist, and the cold steel of his dagger kissed his throat.
“Back off.”
He froze, eyes widening. The point pressed into his skin, and his hold on me slackened.
“A knife doesn’t make you less of a whore,” he hissed, taking a step.
I flipped the blade in my hand, catching it by the hilt. “Careful,boy. Your future wife doesn’t take kindly to insults.”
His hands trembled at his sides, and his face darkened with barely contained rage. I tilted my head and smirked, pretending his fury amused me.
Then I spun on my heel and strode down the hall.
My grip tightened on the weapon, its hilt biting into my palm. My ears strained for the sound of footsteps, but he didn’t follow.
