She felt a flash of anger. “I didn’t realize you needed permission.” “Alizeh,” he said, his expression both grave and impatient. “Do you have any idea how many people would leap at the opportunity to overtake my kingdom and kill me? Your hesitation is unnerving.” “But what if I don’t want to kill you? What if I can’t bring myself to do it?” “What on earth would prevent you?” he shot back. “My overwhelming charm and charisma? You’ve been so eager to off me all this time, but now, suddenly, when I ask you to do the godforsaken deed, you refuse to take direction?” “Heavens. You talk almost as if
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