The Apogian War

Chapter 127

With my reluctant acceptance of Kerwyn’s suggestion, all eyes went to Amarinda. She stared at me in shock, and then said quietly, “The king and I need a few minutes alone. ”

With respectful bows, the room emptied. I took her hand, but stared at it rather than dare look her in the eye. Things had been so easy for us since I had returned from the pirates. But with the prospect of marriage so suddenly here, all the awkwardness had returned.

“I know this isn’t what you want, or the way you want it,” I said. “But if we don’t do this, you will become obligated to the person I choose as heir to the throne. That’s not fair to you, not again. ”

“But you will return. ” I shrugged in response and kept my gaze downward. With an unsteady voice, she added, “Jaron, do you expect to die in this war?”