Chapter 44

Scarlett found the offer from the people irresistible. Zachary had instructed her to trap her against a wall. He held the throne, and his decrees were absolute. Still, he wished for her to make the choice. "Why must the decision fall on my shoulders?" She inquired with an arched eyebrow. 

He moved closer to her, and as usual, her heart raced. He extended his hand, and her breath caught midway in her throat. She blinked quickly, uncertain of his intentions. He continued until his hand found her hair, extracting something before he finally pulled away. He presented it to her, and it was white wool, prompting her to exhale and chuckle softly. 

"It was your suggestion that brought us here initially, and I could not respond without knowing you were on board with it too." His reasoning was logical and demonstrated his thoughtfulness. 

"I'm not sure," she mumbled to herself, turning away from him. She expressed that not out of a desire to leave, but rather out of