Don't give your world to me

There was a condition. Abrielle's mind could already think of several possibilities. "Don't rush into conclusions," she warned herself, then asked:

"What is his condition?" she asked, sitting by his side. She noticed how his body tensed up slightly as he sat. Moving around was painful for Cedric, but he was used to pain and knew how to mask it perfectly.

"I have to wed the princess. That is his condition," Cedric stated. Abrielle's breath hitched, her head lowered. So that was what things had come to. Maybe it was selfish and a complete disregard for his feelings, but it was the best. It was for his own good.

"It's not the worst situation. If that will assure your success, you should wed her. I'm fine with it." Cedric froze, stunned by her reply.

Abrielle stood, averting her eyes from his questioning, stunned gaze. His eyes had pain hidden beneath. He was hurt by her words, but they didn't have a choice.