Zane~
The moment I stepped into my chambers, the weight of the last hour clung to me like armor. My jaw was still clenched, the ghost of my father's threat ringing in my ears. Make her disappear...
Not in this lifetime.
I reached for her through the mind link—my anchor, my fire, the chaos I willingly let consume me. "Natalie?"
Her voice came sharp and laced with heat. "What?"
I winced. Okay, she was still angry. "Don't be mad at him. My father—he didn't know any better. He didn't know who you are… what you are to me. Please, Nat."
"Zane," she said, her voice cold, "He insulted me. In front of everyone. Called me cursed. Like I was some plague."
I exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I know. I was there. And if I could take it back, I would. But he's not used to people standing up to him, and you—" I chuckled under my breath "—you didn't just stand up. You planted your boots on his royal ego and danced."
