Immediately, tears gathered in Elara's eyes.
She dropped to her knees before him.
"Father, I don't want him." The words burst out of her.
"I never wanted him."Her voice trembled.
"I always wanted the Crown Prince. The Moon Goddess is cruel. She gave me a man she knows I have no desire for."
For a moment, her father simply stared at her.
Then he laughed.
There was no humor in the sound.
It was the laugh of a tired man who had reached the limits of his patience.
"Not long ago, you wanted young Lord Vealor as your husband because of what he could offer you."
His gaze sharpened.
"Now we are in the capital, and suddenly you want the Crown Prince."
Elara lowered her eyes.
"Even after the Goddess blessed our family beyond our expectations and gave you a prince as your mate, you still reject him." His voice became heavier.
"Always reaching higher."He shook his head sadly.
"Elara, what must I do to rid you of this greed?"
