Chapter 112. A Family Turned Foe

Lottie's POV

A heavy silence settled. Then Knox spoke again, quieter now.

“You’re… you’re not leaving us, are you?” I felt his heartbreak like a physical ache, and it nearly undid my resolve.

“Never,” I whispered firmly. “But you must understand I’m used to being my own person. I cherish your input, truly, but I have to work through my feelings on the betrayals by myself at least to start with. And I promise, once I’ve sorted it out, I’ll let you both back in.”

“Ok.” They both reluctantly agreed to respect my wishes. I felt their resignation settle into a vow of patience.

“I love you both.” I whispered as relief mingled with sorrow in my chest as I withdrew again, steeling myself behind my mental walls. It would hurt them—hurt me, too—but for once, I needed my head to be clear of their loving, overwhelming influence. Because if I was going to stand as Queen one day, I had to learn to stand on my own two feet, no matter how much I craved their closeness.