Abel rose from his chair and took a few casual steps towards the window, looking out as though contemplating something grand. "You’ve always wanted power, haven’t you, Cassius? Real power. Camilla can’t give that to you anymore. She’s losing her grip, you know that. Her son doesn’t follow her as he should. But me? I have resources and connections. Together, we could accomplish something far greater than watching your daughter chase after a prince who doesn’t want her."
Cassius’s gaze hardened. "What exactly are you proposing?"
Abel turned, his smile widening. "A partnership. You align yourself with me, and I promise you, Cassius, we’ll take control of more than just a title. You’ll have what you’ve always wanted—real power, real influence. We won’t need to bow to Camilla or any other Alp
