“Have to?” Cyrus laughed. “That’s a joke, right? He treats you like you’re some prize he’s won. Like you owe it to him. I could give you so much more. How can you not see that?” “My people are relying on me, Cyrus!” I was growing impatient and frustrated. “I’m doing this for them. Not because I wanted to leave my home to become queen of a kingdom that hates me. I’m here to protect my people. My family. I can’t do this, let me go,” I said, trying to push him away. “You’re a fool if you think he’ll protect your people,” Cyrus snarled, showing me a new side to him.
