The next morning, the King summoned Aren to the throne chamber.
Guards lined the walls.
Serah knelt in chains at the center of the floor.
Her chocolate skin bore faint marks where the metal cuffs pressed too tightly.
Aren's heart shattered.
"Father," he said coldly.
The King's voice was iron.
"You will marry Princess Ireti within the month."
Silence.
"Or," the King continued, "the girl will be imprisoned for treason."
Gasps echoed.
Aren stepped forward.
"She committed no crime."
"She seduced a prince promised to another kingdom."
"She did not seduce me."
The King's eyes flashed.
"You will choose. The crown… or her freedom."
The entire hall held its breath.
Serah lifted her head slowly.
Their eyes met.
Fear.
Pain.
Love.
She shook her head slightly.
Don't.
But Aren's voice rang clear and steady.
"I will not marry Princess Ireti."
Shock exploded across the chamber.
Malik's smirk vanished.
The King rose to his feet.
"Then she rots in a cell."
"No!" Serah's voice cracked through the hall.
All eyes turned to her.
She forced herself upright despite the chains.
"This is my fault."
Aren's expression broke.
"Serah—"
She didn't look at him.
She addressed the throne.
"I overstepped. I forgot my place. I reached for something that was never mine."
The words trembled but did not fall apart.
"I accept punishment."
Aren's heart pounded violently.
"Stop," he whispered.
But she continued.
"Please release the prince from blame. I acted without honor."
Princess Ireti stepped forward gracefully.
Her expression now serene.
"So," she said lightly, "you've come to your senses."
Serah lowered her gaze.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Aren felt rage rising.
Ireti walked slowly toward her former escort.
"If you ever come near him again," Ireti said quietly so only they could hear, "I will make you suffer in ways you cannot imagine."
Serah didn't flinch.
"I understand."
Aren couldn't bear it.
He moved between them.
"You will not threaten her."
Ireti's eyes gleamed.
"You are still mine to marry."
"I am not a possession."
"You are a prince," she corrected smoothly. "And princes belong to their kingdoms."
Silence.
The King raised his hand.
"Captain Serah Adeyemi will be confined to the eastern tower pending final judgment."
Guards moved.
Chains tightened.
Aren's voice dropped into something deadly calm.
"If she is harmed," he said to the throne, "I will not remain your son."
The words hit like lightning.
The King froze.
Malik's eyes narrowed.
Ireti studied him with fascination.
Serah was dragged away—
And she never once looked back.
Because if she did…
She might run to him.