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STAND BY YOU
I turn to walk back into the ballroom when River comes crashing out of the doors.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, searching my face.
This might be the first time he’s prioritizing my feelings over hers. I need to speak with Camille and get out of Solis.
“The war in Hell has started. Nolda’s forces are marching to Luke’s castle. Leanna just told me,” I say, motioning toward her.
He chews on his cheek, face scrunched in deliberation.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” I bark.
“You’re going to Hell.”
“Obviously. He needs me, River.”
He’s peering down at me with an expression I can’t place, and I’m about to snap when he continues.
“I don’t know why you’re so hell-bent on going back there. Don’t you understand what that means, Victoria? Don’t you realize you’d be giving up everything? Your destiny. Your home.”
He doesn’t get it, because he’s clearly never been in love. Luke is my home. Not Camille. Not Solis.
I shake my head. “This isn’t my home, River. It was just quick stop on the road to where I’m truly meant to be.”
He grits his teeth. “Why?”
My head falls back in frustration. “I don’t have time for this, River. I’m going back because I want to help. He needs me.”
“Why him, Victoria? Why Hell? Can you truly tell me you want to live there?”
“Where is this coming from?” I cry. “I’ve been perfectly clear about my intentions. Why are you acting like this?”
“Because I don’t get it,” he says, voice rising.
“You don’t have to get it, River. This isn’t a surprise.”
“I thought being here, you’d change your mind.”
I throw my hands up in the air. “You just said earlier we’d have our say. You don’t want a marriage between us anymore than I do.”
“If it’s best for Solis, I will.”
“You’re in love with her.” I point toward the ballroom, where Camille is most likely still fuming over my departure from her ill-advised engagement party.
“She made it perfectly clear by that announcement that she doesn’t feel for me the way I do her.”
“Her feelings have nothing to do with my decision, River. I know your duty is important to you, but that won’t change my choice. I’ll never be with anyone but Luke. Duty or no. It will always be him, River.”
I sigh. My eyes bore into his, hoping to convey how sorry I am. How much I wish things could be different for him.
But they aren’t.
His eyes close and my heart breaks a little. Not only is he giving up the woman he cares for, but he’s losing his predetermined station as well. He’ll never be king as long as I refuse to marry him.
When he finally looks at me again, I see the resolve. He knows there’s no changing my mind, and I know there’s no going back.
As soon as I voiced my choice, any future for River serving as king was over.
