Chapter 14: Promises Given

Two weeks.

Eden would be married in two weeks. Chione would be queen and their kingdoms would unite, bringing together the other Monarchs against Curzon. As a citizen of Basharr, Violet should've been thrilled. This was exactly what the kingdom needed from its king.

It wasn't what Violet wanted, though, but she couldn't say that. Everything she wanted to tell Eden had to be bottled up, set aside to rot unsaid.

"Congratulations."

Eden let out a wry laugh. "You don't mean that."

"Yes, I do. This is what your parents wanted for you. That's good, isn't it?"

Something strange was passing over Eden. His face bore an expression Violet struggled to identify.

"I have spent my entire life dedicated to this kingdom," he said, slouching back in the kitchen chair. "Everything I possessed I poured into it without reservation. I never regretted it because I knew it was the right thing to do. Until now." He looked at Violet. "If this was any other way to save lives, I would do it, Violet, I swear."

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