Chapter Nine: The Gentle Approach

(Kaelia's POV)

I sat on the edge of my mother's bed, her frail hand clasped tightly in mine. The memory of the previous day, of Alarion's furious rejection, was a raw wound. I blinked, trying to focus on the present, but the image of the Prince's disdainful face swam before my eyes.

"Kaelia?" My...