Tay’s voice was calm, his gaze unwavering as he explained, “As you know, these women… they’re tributes from the realms, part of the pact to maintain peace. They give us what we want, and in return, their realms are spared.”
Maya’s heart raced at his words, pounding hard in her chest as she tried to understand the implications. “But why are you attacking the realms in the first place?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
She hesitated before adding, “Is it your job? Something you’re expected to do as a prince? Or…” She stopped herself, her voice catching. Part of her didn’t want to say it, to voice the suspicion lingering in the back of her mind.
Tay’s laugh interrupted her hesitation, rich with a note of dark humor. He leaned in closer, his eyes gleaming with a teasing spark.
