62

Sixty two

*Freya*

I couldn't stay here and allow my stepsister to walk all over me. I turned to leave, my vision blurring with unshed tears, when Rafe's voice stopped me in my tracks. "Kelly, leave us."

The room fell silent, the tension so thick it was almost suffocating. Kelly whirled around, her eyes flashing with anger. "Excuse me your highness?"

Rafe met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "I said, leave us. I need to speak with Freya alone."

Kelly's face contorted with rage, her fists clenching at her sides. She glared at me, her hatred palpable, before silently storming out of the room, slamming the door behind her with enough force to rattle the walls.

And then... it was just us. Rafe and I, alone in the stillness of his chambers. I could hear my own heart pounding in my ears, feel the weight of his gaze upon me. The air between us crackled with an electricity that was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Rafe broke the silence first, his voice low and controlled. "Why are you h