-Laelia-
Ashes and I left King Acheron’s study after discussing how we needed to present ourselves in the future. I couldn’t believe it. I was going to be tied to Ashes for the rest of my life! And I had to act like I… loved him. Just the thought made my stomach churn, and my mouth go dry.
“Are you really agreeing to this?” I asked as the doors to King Acheron’s study closed behind us.
I quickly grabbed Ashes’ arm, stopping him from leaving before I got a chance to talk to him. He turned to look at me. His ash-colored hair was a bit messy, as if he had run a hand through it, and he looked more tired than usual.
His yellow eyes studied me for a moment before he finally answered. “You think you’re the only one without a choice, Princess?”
“What could your father possibly have threaten
