Alina slammed the study door open and stood in the doorway, her chest heaving and her face pale. She had run all the way from the corridor with Audrey's words burning through her mind.
"The king is already preparing for your wedding to Audrey," she said, her voice uneven from running.
Austin rose from his chair and walked towards her.
"I know."
She almost couldn't believe her ears.
"You knew? And you didn't tell me?"
"I found out yesterday," he replied. "I was going to tell you. But with everything that has been happening…I was trying to find the right moment."
She laughed bitterly.
"The right moment? Austin, the king is planning your marriage to another woman. There will never be a right moment for something like this."
"The king can do whatever he wants," he said, holding her hands. "I don't care. I'm not marrying her."
"But we promised him, didn't we?" Her voice cracked. "If you break your promise…"
