"He wants to meet with you," Corin said. "Just talk. No expectations. We'd be there to supervise. You could ask him anything you want."
"What would I even say?" I asked.
"Whatever you need to," Silas said. "Ask him why he wants this. What he's looking for. What his intentions are."
"And if I don't like his answers?" I asked.
"Then you refuse the courtship and we send him away," Theron said simply. "Your choice matters more than any political alliance or family pressure."
I looked at my brothers. At their patient expressions and genuine concern. They really meant it. They'd support whatever I decided.
"When does he want to meet?" I asked.
"Whenever you're ready," Corin said. "Could be tomorrow. Could be next week. Your timeline."
I thought about Darius. About his kind eyes and the w
