As we kissed, my heart sweled with happiness, and a surge of relief washed over me when I realized my first time would be with Finn. But that thought was immediately darkened when I realized something else. My very first time might be with Finn, but that would also be my last time with him.

I stil had to marry Tove tomorrow. And even if I didn’t marry him, I could never be with Finn. Not realy. I had the kingdom to worry about. A war was imminent. People were suffering and dying.

I couldn’t throw that al way on a tryst.

Even if I slept with Finn tonight, it wouldn’t mean anything.

“What’s wrong?” Finn asked, noticing a change in me.

“I can’t,” I whispered. “I’m sorry, but I can’t do this.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” Finn looked ashamed, and he scrambled to get off me. “I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m sorry.” He stood and hurriedly buttoned his shirt.

“No, Finn.” I sat up, adjusting my dress. “You don’t have to be sorry, but… I can’t do this anymore.”

“I understand.” He smoothed out his hair and looked away from me.

“No, Finn, I mean…” I swalowed hard and let out a shaky breath. “I can’t love you anymore.”

He looked up at me, his eyes startled and hurt, but he said nothing. He only stood there for a moment.

“You said that I belong to somebody else tomorrow but you tonight, and that’s not how it works, Finn.” Tears slid down my cheeks, and I wiped them away. “I don’t belong to anyone, and you don’t get to just have a part of me when you can.

“And I know that’s never what you meant to do,” I said.

“Neither of us meant for this. We were together when we could be.

Hidden moments and stolen kisses. I get that. And I don’t blame you or anything, but… I can’t do that anymore.”

“I hadn’t…” Finn trailed off. “I never wanted this for you. I mean, this thing we’ve had going on, whatever it’s been. You deserve more than I would ever be able to give you, more than I would ever be alowed to love you.”

“I’m trying to change things,” I said. “And I’l admit that part of it has been selfish. I wanted to repeal the laws so maybe someday we could have a chance to be together. But… I can’t count on that.

And even if I can, I am marrying somebody else tomorrow. He’s a good man, and I won’t do this to him.”

“I wouldn’t expect any less of you, Princess,” he said quietly.