"I didn't come here for a crown. I came here for my love and to learn more about my mother. And now that I have learned much more than I had expected … I'm done."
"Alina…"
Alina shook her head, cutting him off.
"When I came to Arcasedia, I thought if I was acknowledged as a princess, then I could stand beside the man I love without people treating me like I was beneath him. But…I've realized…if I associate myself with this kingdom…I will be insulting my mother's memory."
She turned, and looked at the nobles who had watched her mother suffer but had chosen to stay silent.
"Maybe walking away like this is the wrong decision politically," she admitted. "But right now… it feels like the only right thing I would do since arriving here."
"I know you're angry and feel wronged," King Lucien said. "But…"
Instead of answering or waiting him to finish his sentence, she turned and took Austin's hand. And together, they walked out of the hall with Dorian following them.
