Chapter 42. Forced

“You’ve really lost your mind,” Cataleia clenched her jaw so hard that her face ached. 

“With five brothers competing for your hand, you must feel overwhelmed now that a king has joined the roster, yes?”

She shook her head, her thoughts bitter. *This asshole is making me feel like a toy.*

“What have I done so wrong to deserve this treatment? I killed the governor, yes, but what have I done to you? If anything, you should be indebted to me for taking my uncle’s life!”

“Indebted? A king is never indebted to anyone,” Kai replied. “Come with me, and I’ll repay everything.”

Suddenly, the door behind Cataleia slammed shut, leaving her alone in the room with Kai.

She rushed to the door, trying to pry it open, but it wouldn’t budge. Kai approached her slowly, his golden eyes shifting into something venomous—like those of a snake. 

“Do you not wish to become Askavan’s Queen, Cataleia Reiss?” He drew nearer until his breath was just inches f