Page 134 of The Crown of the Dark Prince
His expression flickered, a shadow of something raw crossing his face. “You’re nothing like Isidore, love. You may resemble her, but you’re far more difficult—and far more interesting.”
“Glad to know I’m such a challenge for you,” I sneered.
His eyes locked onto mine, unwavering. “Hardly.”
The tension between us was suffocating. I didn’t trust him—I couldn’t. But what choice did I have?
Without magic, without allies, I was nothing.
“Look, you want to save your friends, and I want to help you.” He sighed, rubbing his temple. “But we both know that won’t happen unless we give Hyrax something to hold on to.”
With a sigh, I sank back onto the couch. My voice was thick with resignation. “So, what do you propose?”
Caldrius leaned forward, elbows on his knees. The fire crackled in the silence as he studied me. Finally, he spoke.
“I want you to marry me.”
The words destroyed what little remained inside me.
“What?” I whispered, the word barely audible.
“You heard me.”
I rose to my feet again. I was either going to vomit or punch him.
Maybe both.
“Are you insane?”
“You asked what I wanted,” he reminded me, with an infuriating shrug. “That’s the price.”
“We just established that I’m. Not. Isidore. Did you forget already?”
He stood too, his presence overwhelming. “You’re not Isidore. And this isn’t about love. It’s about survival - yours, mine, and your friends. You need my help. And I need yours.”
“What does marrying me possibly accomplish for you?” I spat, hands clenched into fists to stop their shaking.
“Hyrax will not be content here forever. He’s spent a millennium missing his family - his brother. Once you’re strong enough, he’ll ask you to open the door to the Upperworld and when that happens, this realm will need a leader. You may be his heir, but I was born to rule. Marrying you allows me to do that.“He stepped closer, jaw tightening. “And marrying me keeps youandyour friends safe. No one in this castle will question your loyalty if you’re my wife.”
My vision blurred with rage, my thoughts a whirlwind of helplessness and resistance. I wanted to scream, to lash out, to cry.
But… he was right.
What other choice did I have? I was powerless, trapped, and surrounded by my enemies. Caldriuswasmy only chance to save my friends.
“I’d rather die,” I said, but even I heard how hollow the words sounded.
“Hyrax won’t allow that, Thea. But he will kill your friends if you don’t do something about it.”
I exhaled shakily, my fingers twitching, instinctively reaching for magic that wasn’t there anymore. The magic that might never flow through my veins again.
“I hate you,” I whispered.
“You’ll have the rest of our lives to get over that.” His lips curved into a faint, bitter smile. His tone wasn’t mocking nor cruel. It was quiet, resigned. “So, is that a yes?”
I forced myself to meet his gaze. My voice cracked as I breathed the words to life.
“Yes. I’ll marry you.”
