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Survival remained important to me as weak and selfish as I knew it was. Though my life had been miserable, I could still dream of things changing, and I would until my dying breath.

A knock sounded at the door. I’d barely stood to face it when it burst open, Father marching in, dressed in rich velvet robes of crimson that shone against the dark of his hair. His appearance overwhelmed me, such a stark contrast to the soft colors of my room. It was like staring into the open mouth of a dragon. Torvo trailed behind him in similar garb. I glanced down at the dancing flames in my fireplace to protect my eyes and mind.

He was so large, my betrothed, a full head taller than Father. I worried he would crush me when he took me to bed. I already knew how painful it was. Supposedly, Serano, my “tutor,” had done me a favor by demonstrating that fact. I’d hated him for taking my maidenhood. Still did. But now I knew to expect the worst.

“Here is your blushing bride,” Father said, tipping my chin up none too gently to face the hulking form in my doorway.

He was handsome, but I didn’t see how that would help me. Perhaps he’d be kind? I’d thought he was on Nyah and Rivven’s side until he’d shown his true colors by handing over his people’s crystal to my father and choosing power and greed. He had barely flinched when the guards had beaten Rivven into unconsciousness, just stared at me. I wondered what he saw.

“I shall leave the two of you alone to get to know each other.” Father turned and slapped a hand to Torvo’s arm. “It’s never too soon to work on giving me an heir.”

In moments, I was left alone with Torvo. He stalked toward me, frowning. I tried to stay strong, nonchalant, like Nye probably would , but instead the world tilted, and my knees gave out.

He caught me, sweeping me into his arms like I weighed no more than a feather, and laid me on the bed. Here it was then. No buffer of time existed until even the quick wedding Father had promised. I’d been a fool to think there might be a reprieve. Tears stung my eyes, and my attempts to stop them only intensified the quivering that overtook me. Memories flashed through my mind—bruising hands, the sharp scent of anise that still turned my stomach, and most of all the overwhelming feeling of helplessness. My thighs clenched tight despite Serano’s insistence that relaxing would help it not hurt so much. According to him, I’d never been able to do it right, but my body had a mind of its own.

A whimper escaped as Torvo loomed over me. So much for being brave. At least I could show I was ready anyway. I’d learned long ago that fighting my fate would end in far more pain. Lifting quaking fingers to my shoulder, I began to slide my gown down my arm. But his enormous hand stopped me. I jumped at the contact.

“You would prefer to remove it yourself?” I whispered.

Finally, an emotion I could identify fell over his features. Shock. Was he surprised I was willing? Serano said some men preferred unwilling mates. Was that what this was?

“My Lady, I do not expect anything of the sort.” His deep voice eased something, and I swallowed back a lump that had risen in my throat.

“I don’t understand,” I said, remaining still.

Hatred and anger flashed in his eyes, and I whimpered once again in fear. I couldn’t help it. I knew it would hurt. Probably far worse than when Serano visited, based on Torvo’s size alone. I wondered if his cock matched the rest of him. Would the nightmares start again?

“I will not harm you, Princess. Please do not fear me.” Torvo bowed low and then backed up to sit closer to my feet. “I wish only to talk to you.”

“Talk?” I asked, sitting up and scooting back against the carved oaken headboard.

“I am going to make some noise now. Please do not be afraid. It is simply for the benefit of those who may be listening.”

My brows furrowed as he stood slowly, likely so as not to startle me. He winked, then grabbed one of the thick posts at the foot of my bed. He took hold and began rocking the whole thing as easily as if it were a child’s toy, banging the board behind me into the wall over and over as I leaped from the mattress and backed toward the hearth.

After a bit, he slammed it so hard, the corner of the headboard splintered against the rock of the wall. Torvo let out a loud roar, then released the furniture before turning toward me with a smile that made him look far less threatening.

“You made it sound as though we…” I let my voice trail off as a blush rose up the back of my neck.

“Yes. That should satisfy your father for now.”

Wringing my fingers, I nodded toward the thick chair by the fireplace. A second identical one appeared as I jerked a shoulder toward it. It was technically an illusion, but as I’d already proven with Nyah, my so-called illusions had physicality when I willed it to be so. And even if I couldn’t remember how to recreate something as nuanced as a full person, I could manage some furniture.

Torvo took the newly fashioned seat, and I settled into the well-worn spot I was most comfortable in to face him. He was beautiful to look at now that I’d gotten used to him, but my heart still sputtered like a flame needing oxygen. Could I trust this tentative truce? Surely, he’d demand my body eventually. I was no fool, and my father would not have patience forever.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I felt a tap. Nyah had been alternating between beating on the walls and sobbing in the corner since I’d pulled her back inside of me. I felt bad but kept reminding myself that she was just…me. My own subconscious was angry and hurt that I’d taken the bit of freedom I’d allowed myself.

That was all.

“Do you…remember everything Nyah did?” Torvo asked, deep voice careful as he leaned toward me slightly, clear cobalt eyes focused and curious.

“No.” The word came out as a whisper, then I cleared my throat and repeated it. “No, I chose not to look to be honest.” Once again, I dropped my gaze to the flames dancing near our feet.

“I see,” Torvo said softly.

I gasped as he dropped to his knees and set a hand lightly on my wrist, resting in my lap. He waited until I looked up before speaking or moving again.

“I want you to know, I will do everything in my power to help you and our people. I am being compliant with your father so far, hoping that I will gain his trust and have an opportunity to strike against him without endangering my friends and family…but I will defend your honor, Princess, even if it means my death.”