Crown Prince Jasper's POV

I fled into the palace garden, leaving all the misery of the family behind in the ballroom for now. I needed time to worry about my personal fate.

Roasting Andric was a welcome distraction for me from my current struggles. My mind is in disarray, but I need to process the recent event that took place just moments ago. I have found my mate and unlike Andric, I recognized her immediately with complete certainty.

Fortunately, Yin, my wolf did not acknowledge her, it was my mate who uttered the word of recognition, almost forced. Yin and I were instantly on edge as we realized her identity,...