Chapter 13. The Choice

Ally's POV

The cold steel of Nathan's fingers encircles my wrist, a vice of mock affection that has become all too familiar. His grip tightens, forcing me to face him.

"Ally," he begins, his voice a whisper that betrays the violence simmering beneath his calm facade. "You understand what is at stake, don't you?"

I do. Oh, how painfully aware I am of the stakes- the heir to this cursed kingdom growing inside me. Dawn stirs restlessly within me as if she too senses the gravity of our plight.

"Give birth to my child, and I will forgive your little... escapades," Nathan continues, his thumb tracing the tender flesh along my jawline, marred by the shadow of bruises. His words are laced with poison.

"Forgive?" The word tastes bitter on my tongue, my voice barely above a fractured whisper. "As if there's anything to forgive."

His laugh, devoid of humour, echoes through the room, a soun