“Why her?” my father asked, refusing to look at me. “The king of Abelon wants retribution for the Battle of Gila. His spies know of your daughter and she is the one he demanded.” He wouldn’t even meet my eyes. His gaze remained on the king, awaiting his next command. My chest felt heavy as I sank back into my seat. “Please,” I said, looking at the king. “They’ll kill me the moment they decide that peace is no longer what they seek or when their desire for revenge outweighs their need for peace.”
