Book 4: Impossible Compromise

Xandra

The only still points in the room are Finn’s ice-blue eyes, wavering with an indecision that threatens to gut me.

Twins. The only explanation for why this pregnancy has already been so hard on me, an explanation so obvious I should have seen it coming. Corwyn’s mother was Father’s twin. They run in his family.

But even twins, I can—will–raise alone if he forces me. I have my mother beside me again. Even with all the questions still unanswered between us, I know she will do anything for her grandchildren. I will be able to run, if he makes me, because she will throw every available resource at me to do so.

Perhaps I have no training in parenthood. Perhaps I assumed for my whole life that I would adopt some orphan, or make one of Vedran’s children my heir, when the time came. But anything is better than trading one prison for another. I won’t do it.

These thoughts are much easier to hold on to when I don’t look at Finn. I can do th