Evangeline's heart, which had been a solid fortress of ice, finally began to thaw. She looked at Arion, at the raw, unfiltered honesty in his eyes, and knew his words were not a lie. He was a man who had made a mistake and was now willing to humble himself to fix it. He was a man, stripped of his crown, who was now pleading for a chance to be better.
She hesitated, her gaze flitting from his desperate eyes to Ezra, who stood silent and watchful. She had a choice. She could choose the path of cold, solitary freedom, a path she had always known. Or, she could choose a new, uncertain path, a path that was filled with hope, and also the risk of more pain.
She took a deep, steadying breath. "I will give you a chance," she said, her voice quiet but firm. "But this is not a pardon. This is a trial. And you will follow my rules."
A flicker of hope sparked in Arion's golden eyes, a gratitude so profound it was almost palpable. "Anything," he said, his voice a low, eager rumble. "I will do anything."
Evangeline's eyes held his gaze, her posture a testament to her new authority. "First," she began, her voice gaining strength with every word. "I am not your fated mate. I am not a prize. I am not a possession. I am your equal. You will treat me with the respect I deserve, not because you are fated to, but because I have earned it."
Arion nodded, his eyes fixed on hers. He would not just respect her; he would cherish her.
"Second," she continued, her voice hardening. "You will not hide behind your jealousy. You will be honest with me, even when it is difficult. I am not a monster, Arion. I am not a possession. I am a person, and I have a right to know your feelings, your fears, and your doubts."
"And finally," she concluded, her eyes fixed on his. "You will not choose another over me. You will choose me. In front of your court, your family, and your kingdom. You will prove to them, and to me, that your loyalty is unwavering."
Arion's face, which had been a mask of remorse, now held a fierce, determined look. He would not just follow her rules; he would abide by them, a new testament to his love for her. Evangeline had given him a second chance, a second chance at love, and a second chance at redemption.