ALIZEH NEARLY ROCKED BACKWARD IN astonishment. She couldn’t fathom how news of Cyrus’s proposal had traveled so quickly to Ardunia, though she could imagine no other reason Hazan might’ve encountered such gossip. “No,” she said softly, eyes still round with wonder. “I’ve not consented to marry him.” “Hells,” Hazan said on an exhale, the harsh word a contrast to his obvious relief. “I can’t tell you how gratified I am to hear it.” “But—Hazan, I must tell you”—she placed a hand on his arm and he stiffened—“I’ve been giving his proposal serious consideration . . . . Cyrus has offered me his
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