I load up a plate with the aromatic and delectable food, then go to the patio to watch the rest of the sunset. Thorne follows and creates several glowing orbs of light that bob around us. When the sun reaches the horizon, it lights up the mist barrier, making the sea look like its glowing pink and orange.

“The mist is beautiful at sunset,” Thorne remarks in awe, finishing his dinner. “I see why you keep it up. Besides the protection, of course.” He winks. I take a deep breath. It’s now or never.

“I can’t lower it,” I croak out, desperate for him to know my secret, even while every molecule in my body fights this admission. His eyes widen in shock.

“What?” he whispers.

“When I put it up, I wasn’t fully aware. I was grieving my parents and knew I was losing the war. I went to your father. Offered to marry him, practically begged him to end the war. But he refused. He told me I’d missed my chance and sent soldiers to slaughter my remaining army. I got there just as an assassin sent a blade hurtling towards Nemesia’s chest, and I knew it wouldn’t miss. I lost control, and I barely remember what happened. I just know I wanted it all to end, wanted my people safe, and the Velmarans gone. I—to be honest, I didn’t really even want to live anymore. I thought if I just hurled every bit of magic out it might stop your father, even if it killed me in the process. I passed out, and when I woke up several days later, there was a barrier of protective mist surrounding the kingdom. No one, not even Nemesia, knows that I can’t lift it. I’ve pretended all this time that I just want to keep it up for the safety of the kingdom. But no matter how hard I try, no matter how much magic I hurl at it, it won’t lift.” The words rush out of me, and my hands shake at finally—finally—telling someone this truth. My eyes dart back and forth between the ground and Thorne, wanting to know his reaction but afraid of it all the same. He only continues to stare at me calmly, thoughtful and silent, so I continue.