Roldan's POV

For what feels like an eternity, I just stand frozen, staring at my mother in utter disbelief. Her betrayal cuts deeper than I could have ever imagined.

Ever since Rae disappeared, my mother’s efforts have been relentless. One by one, she presents me with prospective wives—women she claims are "well-born and undeniably capable of producing heirs." I turn every single one of them away.

Rae’s departure shattered me, but she is my mate; ...