Kane

Troops from both sides surround us with bated breath. The battle is mostly over. This duel between King Peter and me will determine the outcome of the war. It is the culmination of months of posturing and preparation.

“Here are my terms, Kane Alexander of Crimson Peak” King Peter says. “If I win, you will marry my daughter and make her your queen. If you do not, I shall have your head and place her on the throne, and your child will be next in line to reign.”

I don’t correct him when he calls Opal’s child mine. He will not accept any other reality than the one he...