Page 92 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

Only silence answered him.

“I guess I just… I don’t know. I wanted to see something good in her.”

His temper simmered at the sound of the sadness in her voice.

“Not everyone deserves our empathy, and Ursula is one of those people.”

She sighed.

“You’re right.”

Tharan changed the topic. This was a lesson Aelia needed to learn but he didn’t want to push her away.

“Whatever happens, we will face it together.”

Aelia let out a breath.

“Thank you, Tharan. That means a lot to me.”

Tharan’s mood lightened a bit, glad he hadn’t upset her.

“Of course. What are you going to do with the song? Give it to Conrad?”

“That’s my plan.”

“But what about the monsters surrounding the island?”

“Well, Calliope still thinks I’m giving the song to her.”

“So, you’re going to kill her sister and double-cross her?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, just as long as we’re on the same page.”

Aelia let out a chuckle, and Tharan imagined the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed. His heart swelled with love but then quickly soured. “Aelia, there’s something I have to tell you.”

“Oh?” He could feel the tension in her voice.

“My grandfather wants to make a bargain with me. He wants me to marry an elf of his choosing, and in return, he will give me information on the Wells.”

Only silence met his words. Tharan’s chest tightened all over again.

“Say something, Aelia.”

“What is there to say? I knew this would happen. I told you as much.” Her voice caught in her throat, and Tharan knew she washolding back tears. “You are the Alder King, and I am nothing. I should not have held out hope we would be together.”

“I will find a way around this. Aelia, please, you must trust me.” He tried to keep his voice steady for her sake.

“You need to do what is best for the Woodland Realm—what is best for this continent. The Wells are all that matters. Finding Gideon and Erissa is all that matters. I don’t know if I could stay on as your Hand… I will not watch you love another woman. My heart couldn’t take it.”

He didn’t have to see her to know she was crying. A weight settled itself over him. Were they foolish to think this could ever last? The Fates told him his heart would get him into trouble. Was this a part of their prophecy? Would ruling his kingdom mean losing the woman he loved? They’d both grown up as royalty—they understood the sacrifices required to run a kingdom. But didn’t they deserve some happiness too?

“I would never ask that of you. Aelia, I love you.” His words caught in his throat, and he choked back tears. Loving someone meant letting them go if need be.

“Love is not enough, Tharan. I have nothing to offer you. Do what is best for your kingdom—for this continent. Think with your head.” Her words were muffled through her tears.

Tharan’s heart ached.

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