KODA'S POV
I needed to get to the Dakaru family. The thought consumed me as I paced my chambers, ignoring the way my boots clicked against the marble floor. My grandfather's support was gone, crushed under my father's threat like everything else I had ever hoped for. That left me with one option.
Threaten the Dakaru family directly.
"Your Highness," Mira said from her position by the door, "this is unwise."
I stopped pacing and looked at her. My personal attendant had served me for years, and I could read the concern written across her weathered face. She was right, of course. Walking into the Dakaru estate to threaten one of the most powerful families in Lamia was beyond unwise. It was potentially suicidal. Even with the protection of my station.
"I know," I said.
"The rational thing would be to—"
"The rational thing would be to give up." The words came out harsher than I intended. "To cut my losses and let her die."
