onrad questions as they all

not used to doing such things, as Selma nor

es to herself. Eliana glances over to Jasper who cringes as he hikes his bag higher up on his shoulders.

he Princess shifts her gaze away. She knows that Jasper is stil

ng so, he is speeding up the time in which he will be expected to marry. I know that if we do not leave,

double checks everyone's packs. Jasper will be married off, whether he chooses his mate

liana glances up at Conrad who has several cuts lining his temple and jaw. Although she has grown up distrusting anyone from the Pivurlion race, these wer

t and pivots around, "A

d some old fabric from her dress in order to wrap her ankle and try to support i

d Jasper glowering at her. At the realization,

ce, even in a whisper, is almos

glances back up at him. "I

o slightly before a s

y behind, mainly having to do with Eliana'

d cocks his head to t

hey are forcing yo

w casts over his features. His jaw clenc

s at he shuts down.

that is out there?" She knows that Jasper has

hey have no free will to choose their own partner, is stifling. We should be able to choose who we love and who we mate

otices it when her own pang of grief explodes in her mind and chest. She looks away from him before she

he best if it. I feel sorrow for his soulmate, whoever she may be. That is the only reason I feel this way," she tries to convince herself in her mind

around bushes and trees, even with her ankle screaming in pain. Her heart soars as she watches her surroundings. Now that she is not running for her l

em have died, t

r sighs. He falls behind his parents in order to walk

r heart jumping

the royal family,

s, Eliana takes a quivering bre

Avoiding the question. I know they are you

her stomach as excruciating flames. He is disrespecting

ful house near the Ocean, and thrown over the border with swords at our throats." His nose crinkles with a snarl. "My parents have not done any wrong, and yet th

e Drein royal family." Eliana swallows her own anguish at their fates. "I cannot completely agree that I do no

ck and betrayal darkening his features

me, but please understand that I have lived much of my life in war. I have come to be wary of any

like Xefol, but I will st

"Even if you are forced to mate and settle do

d lowering. He grumbles, hi

t twisting. Jasper will be mated soon. "My father is dictating who I m

this situation." Jasper nears Eliana b

barrassment, but the scent he alw

nters a small clearing in the forest. "We still have a lon

alls against a nearby tree, finally allowing herself to let the pain of her ankle in. She bites back a so

will make in order to find her, and what th