As soon as Nelson had gone, Fenryn felt all of his anxious nerves flare up as he found himself all alone with Vaughan. It had been so long since they had been truly alone, without the prying ears of his servants and other nobles. The only other person he had felt comfortable with was Lynnette.

He had never told her who he loved, but he was sure she knew. She had always been perspective and supportive of him. Fenryn still felt guilty that she had lost the use of her legs, but admired her for how strong she remained and how she adapted her bow and arrow skills to the new mobility chair the rattus had made for her.

It was with thoughts of her in mind that Fenryn felt he could muster up at least some courage to strike up the start of the conversation. Taking in a deep breath, Fenryn said, “so with this, I can get out of the arranged marriage.”

Vaughan rubbed the back of his neck. “So it would seem, yes,” he replied, unsure what prompted this conversation from his King. “You are free to ch