Rael's gauntlet tightened on his sword hilt, his eyes turning serious as the shadows stretched across the dusty training field. "Your Highness, listen carefully—this plan is a double-edged sword. It could hurt you badly if things go wrong."
"I know," I said quietly, feeling the weight in my chest. "If I can't beat her after showing my face, I'll be in real trouble."
"Trouble?" He let out a short, rough laugh and shook his head. "It's worse than that. You'd end up knotted right there in front of the whole court—Count Jennife claiming you fully, hips locked together, with every noble staring at their crown princess turned into... well, you get it. Your reputation would be ruined forever. The stories would spread across the empire."
