“You know,” he said attempting a laugh, “I realize you might not believe this, but I never dreamed I’d one day be forced to take a wife in this manner.” He shook his head, turned away again. “I’m trying to give you Tulan – a jewel among empires, a land that is my home. I stand here begging you to marry me – to kill me and take my nation, my crown, my legacy – and you won’t even say yes.” He closed his eyes and swore. “I really thought I’d already hit rock bottom, but this – This is a shade of wretchedness I’ve never known.”
