Chapter 0351

I couldn’t think clearly when faced with such an obvious threat. My protective instincts kicked into high gear. I would do anything to protect those closest to me. But Piper was close to me to.

I swallowed hard. “I care about Piper.”

The King’s demeanor had shifted. Maybe he could see the hesitation in me, where I had been so firm before, and softened in response.

“You are a prince. Someday, you may very well be a king. Those feelings won’t mean anything in the end. Everything is secondary to your duty.”

His words cracked through my heart until it blistered. I knew what he meant. Even if I cared for Piper, I would never be able to marry her. Unlike the others, she hadn’t been trained since birth to become a queen. She’d probably hate the job, even if it meant we could be together.

Piper and I would have to part ways eventually. Shouldn’t it be now? When I could help protect my family and my kingdom with the choice?

I didn’t know what to do. I was worse than torn, I was agonized.

give you time to think it over, but I expect your agreement in the morning,” the King said.

I weighed every option, but the inner debate mostly came down to my feelings for Piper

above the tree line, I watched from one of the hallway

have to look to know it was my

father send you?” I asked.

me, and watched out the

happened,” she said in a soft, soothing voice more motherly than

outwardly, but I had never doubted her love. It was only when the contest started that she delved too

it wasn’t that I thought she hated me.

much cared for how she was acting, either. Maybe it was a two–way street. Maybe I kept

you want to do the right thing,” my mother said. “And that the right thing may

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