Chapter 36

For all his dread of this conversation, the answer came easily in the face of her quiet demand. “At first, because I couldn’t allow myself to trust you. Since discovering who you are, it wouldn’t have been right without telling you the truth.”

“What truth?”

“That my engagement isn’t with Nella. It’s with the daughter of High King Allano and High Queen Sarah,” Rhye murmured, gaze intent on her face. “You.”

For a moment, she just stared. Then something very much like avarice glinted in her pale green eyes, sending a heady rush through his body. She blinked, disbelief quickly overtaking her expression, but it didn’t matter. He’d already seen her first reaction, and it told him everything he needed to know.

His surety that she would dismiss him or be upset disappeared, replaced by the all-consuming need to stake his claim.

“What did you say?” she whispered.

Still holding the lock of hair, he tugged on it gently, drawing her closer. “You heard me.”

“Wh