Chapter 1
I didn’t realise my father could still raise his voice like that…well, not at me, not after everything we’ve been through together in this kingdom. But the moment the words left his mouth, they broke into a million pieces.
“You’re marrying him, Aurora. You have no say in this.”
He was seated rigidly on his throne, with his robes spread around him like storm clouds, the crown sitting heavy on his head. My twin brother, Rowan, sat beside him, quiet but tense, his jaw was clenched so tight the muscle jumped.
And I stood before them, so small I felt like a child again.
“Dad… please don’t make me do this.” My voice shook, embarrassing me more than it should have. “I don’t want to leave our castle. I want to stay here. It isn’t fair. I barely know the man.”
“You’ll get to know hi
