I looked at my mother, her voice was honeyed, but I tasted the bitterness beneath. She spoke of Jayden's good character, of how they'd known him since childhood, and how they'd always trusted him to take care of me. But I knew the truth her words were laced with self-interest, not concern for my happiness.

Their plan had always been to use me to gain proximity to the royal family, to build alliances and secure power. And if I chose Orion, it would all come crashing down. My mother's words were ...