“You were right,” says the Ash King, touching the gems with his fingertip. “I prefer Teagan. She is everything I want in a queen—intelligent, brave, determined, and beautiful. She has elegance and charm. She is diplomatic and kind.” It’s all true. Truth is a pain-sharp blade, piercing the muscle of my heart, slicing deeper with every descriptive he uses for her. “Anyone else?” I manage. “What about Khloe, or Sabre?” “I truly believe Sabre could lift me bodily,” he says, with a half-smile. “I respect that, and her courage. She’s a well-read, well-traveled woman with a strong sense of loyalty to
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