I understood why he was cruel, especially to me. But it didn’t mean I’d be willing to be his puppet for the rest of my life. I want to leave them all behind and start somewhere else, but to do that I must fix this damned heart. It must be strong enough to reject him, and I had to do it before he marked me. Because once I was marked and the bond was sealed, we wouldn’t survive without each other anymore.
“Just so you know, I meant what I said in that cell. I didn’t know about their plans until recently. I found out the same day I got thrown into that prison,” I said to ease my guilt and maybe earn his trust a little.
“You don’t know the schemes that form in your own home? Are you that pathetic?” he sneered. “Right, you’re their spoiled and delicate daughter. You live in your little bubble–oblivious about the things that matter.”
What he said struck a nerve. My father never included me in serious discussions, saying my only purpose was to marry into power. Anger and hurt flashed in my eyes, but he stared me down like he didn’t care.