Page 182 of The Royal Art of Revenge

The day I was first brought to the palace.

The night he introduced me to the world as his fiancée.

And now, the night my soul is bared to everyone in Askurg can join that list.

Finn wraps his arms around my shoulders from behind the sofa as I stare at myself on the television. It’s muted, but I don’t need volume or subtitles to know what I’m saying.

Somehow, I remember every word.

“You’re the bravest person I know,” he says softly into my hair. “I’m so proud of you, Hattie.”

I swallow back the lump in my throat. “What if it goes wrong? What if nobody believes me? What if—”

“It changes nothing.” He holds me a little tighter. “You’re still mine. Anyone who watches that and thinks you’re lying is a blind, stupid fool. And we have Ryan’s father’s testimony releasing with it. It’s been a long week, but by the end of the night, it’ll be over.”

I nod.

He’s right.

I know he’s right, but that doesn’t stop the thoughts from cruelly intruding. It doesn’t stop my mind telling me that I’m going to lose everything.

And I don’t want to.

It’s not about the seat of crown princess. It’s not about taking something from Jasmine. It’s not about the power that comes with this palace.

Not anymore.

I don’t want to lose the family I’ve found.

It’s mine. This love is mine. The friendships I’ve grown are mine. The family I’ve slotted into as easily is breathing is mine.

It’s the first thing that has ever truly belonged to me.

Finn’s phone rings, and he releases me to answer it. “Yes… All right, thank you… Yes, I’ll pass it on. Thank you. Thanks.”

I turn around, but he’s already walking around the sofa. A smile tickles the corners of his eyes, and he kisses my forehead.

“Zachary has been taken in for questioning,” he murmurs against my forehead. “Alec thinks he’ll talk. Especially with the information we provided.”

I swallow. “What if he doesn’t talk?”

“Rowan believes we uncovered enough that it doesn’t matter. There’s a money trail between him and Jasmine, and even if he did delete the messages, they can be uncovered.” He sits next to me.

My lips puff out as I exhale heavily. “But Jasmine…” I shake my head. “My father will buy her freedom.”

“He might not be able to. Oscar tipped off the media about him being taken in. William may not be able to buy her out of it this time.”

“What if what she did wasn’t illegal? Rowan said it could be viewed as toeing the line. I just—I don’t know, Finn. Why does it seem so impossible to make her get what she deserves?”

“Breathe.” He cups my cheeks and brings his face close to mine. “Breathe.”

Right.

Spiralling.

That isn’t good for anyone.

He picks up a four-count, and I follow it with my breath. I don’t know how long he guides me for, but when his voice softly fades out, I feel better than I did.