Lance stared at Helena's letter opened on the mahogany table, along with other letters containing a response from the Windsor Clan.

In Helena's letter, there were only a few words; basically, she said she didn’t love him and that she was with Lance.

The man quickly recognized the trick she was using; the princess was trying to invoke hatred in him, attempting to stifle the fuel of the curse that was his love.  

Lance burned the letter.

He then opened the letter ...