Elara's POV

I remained standing despite Prince Lucien's invitation to sit. Every instinct screamed not to show weakness or acceptance of this situation.

"You say rescued but I remember being drugged and kidnapped from a hunting party." I kept my voice steady even though my heart raced. "That does not feel like rescue."

"Fair point." Lucien moved to a side table and poured liquid from a crystal decanter into two glasses. "But consider what would have happened if we had simply asked King ...