Chapter Sixty Eight

I was by myself in my office, the burden of my royal duties pressing down on me like an impenetrable shroud. My thoughts, as ever, were consumed by her – Kazia. My mate, who was still very much in the hands of Murad.

Being with her, and having her live as my mate, like she was, was starting to seem like an elusive dream, as it started to dawn on me that she might be forever beyond my reach. The very notion of her belonging to him, bearing his mark, left me torn between righteous fury and unrelenting despair.

I grew more and more unsure of my ability to free her from Murad's control with each passing second, and I was on the verge of being overwhelmed by the confusion and anxiety that swirled around in my head.

I questioned the legitimacy of my actions and whether they were motivated by sincere concern or only the instinctive desire to possess what was rightfully mine. I was afraid that I’d get caught in my web of desire and responsibility.

I rubbed my temples, trying to make sense