Aldric's heart fell. He knew this question would come. He had rehearsed a hundred ways to answer it, but now, standing before Lorraine, no words would come out.
When the emperor's elite soldiers crashed through the stained glass outside the princess's room, Aldric had felt that gut-wrenching pull in his chest. His sword clashed, his body fought, but his heart was elsewhere. With her. With Sylvia.
"Stay with Sylvia."
Lorraine's command echoed in his ears.
But he hadn't.
He was sworn to protect the Oracle. He had promised, on his ancestors' graves, that her safety would come before all else. He had told himself he was doing the right thing by standing guard where duty demanded him. Even as half his soul was running down the corridors toward the woman he loved.
He had fought. He had won. But the victory had felt hollow. And then—something struck him.
Lorraine could see the future. She knew. If she had insisted he stay with Sylvia… there had been a reason.
