I wasn’t the daughter unflinchingly fulfilling her duties … I wasn’t sure I was anyone at all. Aric was waiting for my answer. I swallowed and forced a smile. “Thank you,” I managed to whisper. I allowed myself to imagine it. Once we reversed the enchantment and returned to Arnhelm I would be freed from a marriage with a man I didn’t love. I could do anything I desired. Marry whomever I chose. Not Catalina—that chance was long gone. But there were countless other options. A woman from the Zhei Empire, who would bring with her silks and spices. A man from
