EZEKIEL ONLY became aware he’d spoken out loud when he realized Nikolaus and Kaillen had fallen silent. Both were staring at him.
Ezekiel looked between them, trying to figure out what to say, but when he opened his mouth, nothing came out.
Nikolaus took pity on him, the surprise in his eyes melting into sympathy. He reached across the desk and gripped Ezekiel’s arm. “It’s all right, Ezekiel.”
“No, it’s not,” he said, recovering his voice finally.
“It will be.” Kaillen came over and perched on the edge of Niko’s desk.
“I don’t know how. Unless there actually is a way to break the betrothal without angering an empire that could crush us if they wanted to. We're only recovering. We can't afford to anger another Kingdom. Moreso the Empire.” Ezekiel flicked his gaze from Kaillen to Niko,
