Jaren lurched toward her, arm out and mouth parted to speak—what would likely be a very dangerous comment—but Dedryn snatched his extended arm, pulling him in and whispering something in his ear.

The king was still watching him, shaking his head slightly. “I understand where your anger comes from, Jaren Barilias, but this is bigger than you. Mates are a beautiful, wonderful thing, but they are not always in the best interest of our people. Sometimes we must make sacrifices for what is most important to the whole.”

Anger simmered under her skin. Vesstan sang how gifted and special the Magyki were, but he was no better than Emperor Sulian. He could claim it was for their people all he wanted, but all he cared about was marrying her off to whoever would be most beneficial for him.

And she refused to be used. “Then I will be unwise, I guess.”

Something dark flashed across his eyes, and he slowly laid his hands flat on the table. “Being of royal blood, you are inherently privileged to have anything you could ever want. Clothing, books, parties, food and drink. Any of it. I do not believe a lack of one choice constitutes such a response.”

As if she was being selfish by refusing to reject her bond.

She raised her chin, unwilling to back down. Because if she didn’t change his mind, she estimated the king had two minutes left to live, unless Dedryn, who had not uttered a single word, stepped in to block her mate.

“I disagree, and I’m willing to bet our people would too,” she said, hoping and betting she was right. Something told her that her mother wouldn’t be the only Magyki to believe her mated status was a sign from the gods. Especially after the last decade.

By Vesstan’s flared nostrils and clenched jaw, she’d wagered right. He stood, brushing his hands down his sides.

“I can sense you are both too emotional to continue this conversation at this time. But I ask you to take some time to think it over, Veralie. You are no longer living responsibility-free, and you need to think about the consequences of your actions.”

She stood as well, immediately followed by Jaren and Dedryn. Thank the gods it was over. She wasn’t sure how much longer she would’ve lasted.

“You may take your leave for the night. Your guardian will escort you to your first lesson tomorrow after you break your fast. Don’t be late.”

Following Dedryn’s lead, she curtsied, officially counting the minutes until she could be back in the safety of her room. Vesstan tipped his head and walked out the side door without another word.

The second it clicked shut, she leaned forward, resting a hand over her stomach and exhaling heavily. The next time she was forced to attend a family dinner, she’d avoid the damn wine.

She jumped, nearly tripping over her shoes when the door behind them opened. She spun around, bumping into Jaren’s shoulder, to find both Jaeros and Reniya standing in the doorway.