POV: ALARIC
She paused, then added, "And I'm glad I'm the one beside you when it does."
I didn't respond.
Because in the corner of my mind, all I could see was Jasmine and I finally having the life I always wanted.
But, one more plan had to be set in motion.
"June?" I called and she hummed a response, her hands still straightening out my sleeves as she tilted her head upward to look into my eyes. "There is something else I want you to do for me!"
Her eyes lit up, hopeful, like a child catching the glint of a long–awaited gift. She thought I was about to hand her the future she kept fantasizing about. The one where she played queen beside me.
"I want you to make a press appearance tomorrow," I continued, "Talk about tonight's deal. About what your father did."
Her face brightened with the kind of pride I hadn't earned—and didn't want.
