Arabella clenched her teeth, her chest tightening with panic. The hands, the faces, even the trembling voices, all of them mirrored her sister's so perfectly that it was impossible to tell truth from illusion. Each one clawed at her heart, mocking her desperation.
And worse, she was the reason Cassius stood still, rooted to her side like a shield of iron. His very presence, meant to guard her, shackled him from unleashing the brutality she knew could end this fight.
She forced her eyes shut, steeling herself, before meeting his gaze with a firm resolve, "I can protect myself. Go for Alice."
Cassius's jaw tightened, his frown deepening as he shook his head.
Arabella's heart pounded, frustration and fear rising in equal measure. "You're the King now, Cassius," she pressed, her voice almost breaking.
But his reply came cold and resolute, each word a blade cutting into her resolve. "Before I am the King, my responsibility is to protect you."
