Jasmine's POV
The King's words hit me like a physical blow, each syllable driving deeper into my chest until I could barely breathe.
"I'm sorry, Jasmine. But I can't allow you both to reject each other. Not like this. We need to find a compromise."
A compromise. The word tasted bitter on my tongue, like poison I'd been forced to swallow.
My pulse hammered against my ribs as I stared at the man who had raised me. The same man who had exiled me twice without batting an eye. Who spoke of protecting our people while crushing my soul beneath his decisions.
"You can't be serious," I breathed, stumbling backward. "Please tell me this is some sick joke."
Silence stretched between us like a chasm. The King's expression remained stone-cold. Queen Jaelyn wouldn't meet my eyes. Jayden stood frozen beside me, his jaw working like he wanted to speak but couldn't find the words.
That's when reality crashed down on me.
They meant every word.
