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“The Queen lives in service as much as a tracker, iven to the people here There is no greater honor than that No greater deed That is going to be your honor, Princess”

“I know,” I said, feeling even more overwhelmed by the prospect

“In the end, you find that with sacrifice, you receivewith you, Princess, but I will let you get to your room”

“Yes, of course,” I said

Thomas bowed before me, and I turned away I ran all the way up tomy dress so I wouldn’t trip on my hem My hair had corateful for it I didn’t need anyone to see the shame in my expression or the tears that stained my cheeks

TWENTY-EIGHT

honor

“You look a,” Willa assured my reflection for the hundredth time

I stood in front of the mirror Willa was atnized myself

Only days before uys It was odd because, of the two kisses, I foundLoki’snew life intoat the tiy I had Loki had asked me to marry him, and Finn had pushed me away, the way he always did The way he alould

After everything that happened, I’d wanted to cry, but in the end, the way I felt about either Loki or Finn didn’t do deserved more, so I had to be more I had to become what they needed

“Co me away “The party is about to start We don’t have ti at yourself”

I nodded and followed her, thinking I’d have time to compose myself, but as soon as I stepped out ofby the door

“Sorry,” he said when he saw my expression “I didn’t mean to startle you”

“No, it’s okay” My mouth felt numb, and it was hard to speak

“I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone” Willa winked at me as she walked away