Chapter 73

“I didn’t know you felt that way,” he said, though his expression was almost sad. “That makes this harder, doesn’t it?”

Akton glared at the city, so beautiful it seemed to mock him, his life, standing here next to Talfryn who clearly had a better handle on everything than he did. In Ylenia, the wealthy were able to carry out their lives as they saw fit, privileged enough to do whatever they wanted. The poor, the working, could go about their business scratching out a living and staying alive in the never ending streets, no queen to give them special orders. And next to him, Talfryn had probably known so many others that Akton’s slip meant nothing out of the ordinary.

The burning in his chest began to ache.

“Right. I forgot you’re probably used to losing lovers,” said Akton.

“Lovers and loving aren’t the same thing,” said Talfryn. Akton had been expecting him to snap back, but Talfryn’s tone suggested he was tired of the conversation.

“You’ve had this argument before.”