But then Meora had fallen pregnant. She must have bewitched him into the entire scheme, intent on joining him on his throne. His father was this close to dying from the Withering, and Rion was only biding his time, waiting for the inevitable.

He’d spent years acting in King Garnet’s stead, conquering territories in the name of The Aurora, but without the crown on his head, he could do only so much. Once his father was gone, he’d expand The Aurora’s army, redirecting funds towards training new recruits. He knew the Heart Queen, Daedra, was plotting against him and the other rulers were speaking of allying to overthrow his kingdom. If Rion wanted to secure The Aurora as the leading power in Ouranos, being its king only in name wasn’t enough.

He’d been so close to getting everything—his crown with Rachel at his side.

And then he’d fucked it up.

He’d tried to make Meora go away, but that damn Torch wanted the baby, and now he would become a father and partner, responsible for two people he had no interest in protecting.

“You don’t have to go through with this,” Rachel said.

She lounged in the corner, looking like every fantasy he’d ever had. Round curves and lush lips made for sin. Violet eyes and hair so dark it drank the light. She wasn’t just beautiful. She was clever and cunning. He could talk with her for hours about nothing and everything, her mind as challenging as a riddle that held him utterly captive.

“You know I do,” Rion said, tugging on the cuffs of his jacket. “I’ll lose my position as Primary and lose my crown.”

Rachel remained silent, and he looked over. He saw the hurt and disappointment in her eyes, but if she really loved him, she’d never ask him to choose. He did love her, but how could he possibly be expected to give up what he’d been coveting for over five hundred years?

If he walked away now, Meora would remain here, raising the child until it was old enough to take the throne and Rion’s legacy would become a memory. It was another option. One he would never take.

“Okay,” she said, and he didn’t miss the shine in her eyes as she turned her gaze to the window, staring out at the snowy landscape.

For a moment, he considered leaving with her. What would it be like to give up everything and hand over power to a child he’d never met? Live with Rachel somewhere deep in the mountains where they might have children of their own. They could lead a simple and quiet life without these burdens.