I was mated to a potential thief and murderer! That is what whatever was being said of Eugan would mean to many in Xatis and I dreaded being bathed in those pitiful expressions once word left the throne room. Because in light of what father had revealed, I knew that my being paired with him would only add to the sad way many viewed me. It did not even matter that Eugan had done nothing yet or that he’d rejected me. The already growing whispers among the lords was all the evidence I needed.
“My princess, your drink.” It was too early for someone of my status to be taking a strong drink, but I grabbed hold of the cup Alad offered and downed its contents, grateful that he’d chosen this moment to defy my order to let me be. Whatever he’d filled the cup with was exactly what I needed too as th
