Lucien's POV
The world was a blurred mosaic of emerald and earth as Maximov thundered through the woods.
Faster.
I must go faster.
Move, Maximov. Move.
I dug my heels into his flanks, and the great beast responded with a surge of power that rattled my very bones. The wind was a cold blade against my skin, biting at my eyes and numbing my cheeks.
I welcomed the sting. Of course I did. It was a tangible, honest pain, far superior to the phantom echo of the Emperor's voice that replayed in the hollow spaces of my skull.
"Your war-muddled brain is incapable of true affection."
"You are not deserving of her, Lucien. Truly."
"Your engagement to Princess Roxanne is annulled."
My knuckles turned white against the leather reins, the pressure so intense I feared the hide might snap.
Annulled.
Just like that.
