#Chapter 40: The Cost of Control

CASSANDRA I sat curled up in one of the velvet chairs in my father’s study, legs tucked beneath me, the rim of my wine glass resting lightly against my bottom lip. The press conference played across the flat screen mounted above the fireplace, illuminating the room in hues of blue and gold. I twirled the glass slowly between my fingers, letting the wine catch the firelight as it sloshed gently in the bowl. The deep red clung to the sides like blood. Appropriate, considering the wounds this entire debacle was reopening. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to throw the glass across the room or finish it. My gaze returned to the screen. There she was. Elena—Princess of Moonstone, once presumed dead, now revived and radiant and standing beside Derek like the Goddess herself had plucked her from the afterlife for an encore performance. Her chin was high, her dress understated but elegant, her expression carefully measured. I took another sip of wine. Derek looked good. Commanding. Pol