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“Mother, enough” Xan stood at the base of the stairs to the throne

“Xan, you know you must marry before you can take the throne We have little time to find you a suitable match before the coronation,” she said emphatically behind him

“Mother, I have met my match Sloan is my match She will be my queen” Xan moved to confront her

“You can’t be serious, Xan” Sheher hands to him to influence him with her emotions

“I a She is my choice; she is the woman I love, and she will beher to touch him

“Xan, I arateful for what she did and the fact that she rescued you You will be a fine king and will bring this eht queen at your side You need sorace Not soh space”

“The Arrow is not a piece of junk, and Sloan can learn everything she needs to about beco a queen from you and Yaris It will take time, but I know she is up to the task”

“Son, please—”

“As the future king and heir to the D’Arian e about ent or not, Mother Do you understandin the cavernous room

“Son, I want only what is best for you and what is best for this sector,” Venu said

“And I a what is best for this sector and what is best forSloan asthat is up for debate, Mother Do you understand?” Xan said

“Yes,a hasty retreat from the room

“Queen?” Sloan squeaked from behind Xan He hadn’t realized she had made her way to the throne room He could see the look of terror on her face

“My D’Auriel,” Xan ju by the door to his private chamber

“You want ly in a daze