"Absolutely not!"
I just sat there, motionless. This isn't real. It can't be real. It's a dream. I watched Darren, standing there in front of his father with his back erect.
"I believe Master Byron just deemed Ryiah one of the most powerful mages in this room," Darren said slowly, "and if we all know Byron, he is nothing if not stingy in his praise where women are concerned..."
The training master's face went up in flames. Somehow I knew his praise was anything but voluntary.
"…In fact it was Shina, excuse me, Princess Shinako's only stipulation that the dowry she so generously bestows go to Mage Ryiah specifically, was it not?"
The princess nodded demurely, smiling. "Yes, it is the least I can do. Darren and I are good friends. Nothing would please me more than his happiness."
"So you see, Father, there is absolutely no one who would benefit me – or Jerar - more than Ryiah of Demsh'aa. As you said, strength triumphs all and Ryiah's dowry and status would certainly bring the Crown strength." Darren pulled out a scroll tucked into the sleeve of his robe. "Your advisors have already given this union their full blessing, here is a letter stating their support…"
"This is ridiculous!" Blayne shrieked. "Father, do not let him marry that lowborn!"
"Your Majesty." The Black Mage stood with the two Colored Robes at his side. "The Council of Magic would be in full support of this union. We think it a very wise proposal."
The king stood, fists clenched. When he finally spoke it was strained and full of unspoken rage. "Then it appears this is indeed Jerar's best interest." The man turned to his youngest. "Congratulations, my son, on your new wife."
King Lucius strode out of the room without another word.
****
The moment the king and his heir departed, the room became chaos. I flew out of my chair, slamming the door behind me as I tore into the hallway beyond. My heart was beating so fast I was afraid my ribs would explode. I could barely breathe; air was coming out of my lungs in quick, choking gasps.
I hunched over, leaning against the side of the wall while the room rose and fell all around me in a dizzying mess. I stayed there for a couple of minutes, breathing in and out, in and out, until the room began to seem a bit more static.
The door opened and closed behind me.
I turned and saw Darren standing there. "I was looking for you," he said.
When I didn't reply, he made himself speak.
"I know you are mad at me." Darren took a step forward and then stopped himself. His eyes found mine and he took a deep breath. "If you'll let me explain-"
"You lied to me."
"I did." His gaze didn't waver. "I lied, and I lied, and I lied to you. Over and over. I know what I did. I know what I said. I wanted to make you hate me."
"But why?"
"Why, Ryiah?" Darren made a frustrated sound. "Because what kind of prince would I be if I let my love for a silly lowborn blind me from the fate of my country?"
A silly lowborn? Tears stung my eyes and I turned away, biting back a sob.
Darren's hand clamped down on my arm, and he spun me around, eyes blazing. "I needed to do the right thing." His face was flushed. "Don't you see, Ryiah? I would have been exactly what you accused me of – a coward - if I had let my love for you blind me from what has been happening all around us! I know you despise me for what I did, but when I went to my father that day, he told me that we were going to war with Caltoth. That hundreds of our men were going to die, and if I chose to marry for love over wealth I would be ensuring millions more." He cursed. "The king was right. I couldn't marry you without a dowry, not unless I wanted people like Caine and Eve to die every day all so I can have a bit of selfishness."
I shoved him away. "But you never told me, Darren! You made me hate you, you told me-"
Darren caught my hand in his and I trembled. "I had to." His voice was hoarse.
"Ryiah, I was willing to jeopardize the fate of this country just for a chance to be near you. I needed you to hate me, because it was the only way I could do the right thing."
"I thought you were in love with Princess Shinako. Or that you were trying to impress your father so he'd make you his heir." I could barely get the words out.
"So did my brother. So did everyone." Darren's laugh was bitter.
My hand fell away and I took a step back, shaking. I had cried myself to sleep for the good part of two years. My heart had shattered every time he looked at her.
Darren said the next words so quietly I almost missed them. "I kept telling myself it was better than them assuming the alternative."