Two weeks.

Eden would be married in two weeks. Chione would be queen and their kingdoms would unite, bringing together the other Monarchs against Curzon. As a citizen of Basharr, Violet should’ve been thrilled. This was exactly what the kingdom needed from its king.

It wasn’t what Violet wanted, though, but she couldn’t say that. Everything she wanted to tell Eden had to be bottled up, set aside to rot unsaid.

“Congratulations.”

Eden let out a wry laugh. ...