My mouth opens and closes. I don't know what to say. I know what I want to say, but how do I say it?
Of course I can't go back to the kingdom with Claudio. As enticing as that sounds, escaping all my problems, leaving Alexanne behind, going to a foreign kingdom with my courter, I know it is impossible.
Grace is still missing. Alexanne still has me twisted in a net of her threats. Alexanne would never allow me to leave so easily. She would laugh in my face if I even attempted to tell her that I was leaving.
But I don't want to leave. Not with some many people missing and in danger. I can't.
Claudio stares at me hopefully, "I'm hoping that you are speechless because you are so excited."
Something inside me breaks, I begin shaking my head, "I'm sorry, but I can't."
"Why not? It's not pe
