Kallias, taller by a hair, met his fury with that same unshaken stare.
“I ask for her hand.”
Father’s fist snapped forward, crashing into Kallias’ face. “You swore a blood oath and broke it! Your life is forfeit—you’ve lost the right to request anything, least of allher!”
Freya grabbed my arm as I flinched.
Kallias’ head whipped back from the strike, magic trailing the blow. He steadied himself, rolled his neck, lifted his chin. Blood traced a slow path from his nose. “I offer a new oath. Grain for your people. Trade with the continent. A stronger alliance—and a vow to make your daughter happy.” His voice rose, addressing the crowd. They needed to hear.
“You don’t speak of her happiness,” Father spat, releasing his coat with a shove. “Not after twisting her into ruin.”
Kallias staggered back, boots scuffing stone. He looked up—straight into Argos’ gaping maw.
“Kallias Sunspear, king who doomed his nation, you do not deserve a quick execution by dragonfire.”
My stomach knotted. I leaned over the rail as if I could listen to my father’s thoughts.
“I challenge you to a duel to the death. May you have one final chance at honor.”
Blood drained from my face as bile crept up my throat. When Father waved his hand, Haldor jerked Kallias back. The heavy mantle slid from his shoulder, hanging askew.
But those cornflower eyes still found mine.
Tears slipped free. I couldn’t speak, couldn’t reach him. One word and Father would strike him down. I’d hate him forever if he did. Perhaps he knew.
Haldor led Kallias into the crowd. Draconis parted, cold and disdainful. Some spat. Others looked away.
To them, he was a villain.
They didn’t know the truth—that I loved him—or what a monster Tallon had been.
And I could never tell them.
This was my story.
And it was broken. A tragedy.
Freya yanked me back. I wanted nothing more than to collapse. Cry until my bones rattled. I could live with a shattered heart. But I would never forgive my father for what he did—for killing him in cold blood. Magic or not, I couldn’t excuse that.
But I was nowhere near finished. I wasn’t ready to quit.
I caught Freya’s hand, then swiped my tears before dragging her into the tunnel.
“Give me your clothes.”
She tried to pull free, but I held tight. “Why?” Her voice sharpened. “What are you planning?”
“Father will have barred me from the dungeons.”
She groaned, “Your mother told me to keep you from doing anything reckless!”
“You stopped me from speaking, did you not?” I snapped, tugging her into the main corridor. “Now, as your princess, I command you—hand them over.”
We burst into my rooms. I reached behind me and began yanking at the fastenings of my dress.
“And I’ll be tossed in beside your darling king if we get caught!”
“Then we’d better not be caught,” I shot back. “Now move!”
