Maelona had finally reached the end of her patience with his bullshit, and the restraint she had carried for years cracked apart in a single breath.
Worried?
Flower?
Broken?
What the fuck did he even mean by that?
According to the deal, she was married to him whether she wanted it or not. There was no romance in it, no choice, only obligation carved into law and blood. She had fulfilled her side of the duty by standing beside him, by accepting protection in name if not in spirit.
And just like that, whether he liked it or not, he had been forced to marry her against his wishes. But that did not make her the villain, and it sure as hell did not make him the victim.
They were both shackled!
Both forced.
That was all there was to it.
Yet this bastard still had the nerve to talk as if he carried the heavier burden.
This family belonged to him!
This tribe belonged to him!
None of it was her responsibility anymore, not after everything she had endured in silence.
