Iris couldn't believe her ears.
Most especially, she couldn't believe herself.
That she'd care, that she'd be mad he was finally setting her free.
She hated him. She still does. But with her brother in the castle, his chambers were the only place she could stay safe. And he threw her out.
Maybe it was her punishment for sleeping in his room last night.
If so, she deserved it.
A normal cruel monarch would have her head chopped off. Or make her a sexslave.
"Sell the Taaffeite on your neck," He had said to her.
She touched the gem on her neck.
He had even offered to buy it.
How precious is this jewel?
She had always known Taaffeite was expensive, literally priceless. But she didn't think the Crown prince and soon to be king would offer to buy it.