Princess Myrcella answered my call almost instantly.
She must've heard the news already. That, or she was bracing herself for what she expected me to say. Either way, I didn't bother easing into it. There was no time for pleasantries or roundabout words.
"I'm going to tell your father tomorrow... that I want to be your groom," I said firmly.
As soon as those words left my mouth, time seemed to freeze. The air around me grew thick, and the people who had been standing nearby fell into a stunned silence, their expressions blank, like statues carved out of stone.
But I didn't spare them a glance. I didn't owe anyone an explanation right now... not when the future of this kingdom was about to pivot on this very moment.
