How To End This Marriage

"How am I supposed to help you then?" Tribal Princess Sylvia pressed, her voice laced with suspicion.

Crown Prince Maximus stepped closer, his eyes burning with determination. "Be engaged to me, Princess! Become the Crown Princess of this empire."

Sylvia recoiled, a flicker of anger crossing her face. "Crown Princess? You want me to marry into the empire that exploited me?"

Maximus held up a hand, his voice softening. "Don’t you want the same, Princess? Didn’t you choose to stay here because you craved the Crown Princess’s place? I’m offering it to you now, making your dream a reality."

"This isn’t a favor, Your Highness," Sylvia spat. "I desired the role to secure a foothold in the Tribal Empire’s crumbling power, not to become Queen of your empire. This throne is a poison, corrupting anyone who sits upon it."

Her gaze narrowed. "The previous Emperor, your own father, did unspeakable things. You’ll follow the same path. Blood doesn’t lie."

Maximus clenched his jaw. "I won’t be like him."

Sylvia challenged him, "What if I say otherwise?"

The Prince, surprised, offered a deal. "Then you can break the alliance."

After a tense pause, Sylvia conceded. "Fine. I agree to become your Crown Princess." She turned to leave, but Maximus stopped her with a question.

"You still haven’t answered my question, Princess," he said, his voice firm. "Why were you in such a hurry last night? What made you forget royal protocol?"

Sylvia offered a tired excuse. "Didn’t I tell you? I’ve been prone to forgetfulness since..."