"Azzurra," the king’s voice was calm eerily so, as though he had anticipated her next question long before she asked it.

"Your safety will be his burden to carry. If he fails to protect you, or worse, if you die he forfeits the throne. Don’t worry, I’ll ensure he signs a contract to make it binding." His expression softened just slightly. "And I’m not completely heartless. If at any point during your marriage you wish to leave him, you can. Divorce is your right. But in that case, he ...