---- Alessandre entered his room in silence and darkness.


    Exhaustion weighed on him.


    The ache in his chest wouldnt fade, but there was no turning back now.


    ---- As soon as the door shut behind him, he sensed he wasnt alone.


    He turned sharply toward the figure of a woman seated in the corner armchair.


    Your Majesty, what a surprise to find you in my humble abode, Alessandre immediately recognized her.


    Though startled and wary of danger, he masked his unease with feigned confidence.


    Congrattions to the new leader of the d n.


    The lights red on, illuminating the piercing blue eyes of the current Selenian QueenBrianna Von Carstein.


    Thank you very much, Alessandre replied, unsure of what else to say.


    His senses sharpened, scanning every corner for an ambush, an attacksomething No need to be on guard.


    I didnte to settle scores with you, she assured.


    But dont think I dont know you''re still sneaking around with my daughter, despite my warnings.


    She rose from her seat, her long ck hair cascading over her white gown, nearly reaching her thighs.


    She was stunning and lethally dangerous.


    Your Highness...


    spare me the empty words.


    I came here to strike a deal.


    Brianna met his gaze, sharp and calcting, a thousand hidden ns in her yee ---- Your Majesty, tell me, Alessandre braced himself for the worst.


    Tell me everything you know about the supposed Selenia inhabiting the body of the sorceress Electra De Croix.


    Every.


    Last.


    Detail.


    And forge a secret alliance with me.


    Her vision in the Witchs Forest had left her shakenso much destruction, the remnants of a dark magic so potent it made the hairs on her neck stand on end.


    Who had caused it? Lucrecia Silver? Morgana De Croix? Whi Then, that witch, Drusi De Croix, had appeared, offering safe passage and protection in exchange for crucial informationthe truth that Morgana had been killed by Electra.


    The pieces fit.


    Her guards had told her that her daughter had escaped again.


    She had heard that Alessandre had chosen Electra at his celebration, that she was his fiancée, and that they had vanished together after the event.


    Brianna knew her daughter.


    She was hiding something.


    And she would never remain so calm if she believed Alessandre was involved with another woman.


    Alessandre was stunned.


    He never expected this proposal.


    Tf you help ensure things unfold as I desire, if you truly assist in eliminating all obstacles for my daughter, if you prove your loyalty to the throneI will give you her hand in marriage and ept you as the future king.


    What do you say? ---- Alessandre remained silent for a few seconds.


    It was obvious the queen was using him, and that Renata wouldnt know about this arrangement.


    Butter, he could convince her that it had been for the best, the most strategic move.


    That Selenia...


    shes from the future.


    Her lineage cannot die, he warned.


    And she wont.


    But she cant stay here either.


    As you said, she belongs to the future.


    She will return to her time.


    There is no ce for more Selenias here.


    Brianna extended her hand.


    Alessandre reached out as well, sealing the pact.


    J ept your alliance.


    I will tell you everything I knowall the ns.


    I only hope you uphold your part of the bargain.