Damien's POV
I push through the doors and step into the corridor. The stone feels cold under my boots. Father’s words still sit in my head like a poorly played card.
I want her....
That fact sits there, sharp and undeniable. But not like this and not as a forced breeder in his grand plan. The similarity to his cold calculations twists something inside me.
I hate recognizing it, but there is no time to linger and the council will spread the news soon enough. So, I head straight for the kitchens.
The smell of bread and stew greets me. I spot her at once with her sleeves rolled high, as she wipes down a long table with steady strokes. I step inside.
“Brie,” I say.
She straightens quickly. Her eyes meet mine for a second, then drop. “Your Highness. Do you need something from the kitchen
