Bae didn't respond. She couldn't. Her mind was too focused on what she must now do to keep her family safe without jeopardising the entire realm. Her natural instinct was to return home. But that was not an option. She must stay in Canku and continue with the charade of claiming her mate. Why she couldn't just claim Armel right here and now was beyond her, ‘except the other royals had to be given their chance.'

She recognised the magic's words as truth, taking a long, deep breath ...