Chapter 2: The Prince’s Dangerous Promise

But sometimes, he was a total mystery.

One time, he was hurt bad. I healed him, bandaged him up, and he gave me that same long, unreadable look from day one.

I shook my head. "Not a chance."

"You say you’re good at reading people?"

"Trust me, I’ve seen that look plenty of times. They all promise to protect me, beg me to stick with them."

He sat up way too fast. "What?"

"Careful," I said, handing him another healing tonic. "I’m not dumb. When trouble hits, they’re the first to bolt. I can spot a fake from a mile away—never let any of them get what they wanted."

"No, wait—one did." I switched gears, just to mess with him.

He shot up again. "Who?"

"You!"

"Oh. I’m hungry."

Wow. Whiplash much?

"So, what do you want to eat?"

"Pan-fried venison, extra chili, hit it with some lemon. And just for the record, when I give you that look, it means I’m hungry. That’s all."

"Then why did you... on the first day—"

"I’m an exile. I do what I want. Not picky."

"You!"

My cheeks went red-hot. I stomped off, yelling, "Make it yourself!"

Two years went by, and we finally found the exit from the Chasm. Those years of slogging it out doubled my healing skills. Galen’s powers? Next-level. By the end, he could flatten monsters that would’ve given the King’s best knights nightmares—with one punch. My own reputation shot up, too, thanks to his advice and training hacks.

Galen was sharp, always tinkering, always thinking up new tricks. If he’d been born royal, he’d have been a legend. But honestly, a guy like him? He’d shine anywhere.

"We finally made it out."

Stepping out of that hellhole, I felt like a whole new person.

First thing on my mind? Payback. I wanted revenge on the King’s daughter who had me thrown in.

I clasped my hands, all polite. "Thank you, Your Highness, for saving my life. I’ll never forget what you did. If you’re ever in the royal city, I’ll treat you right. I’ve got some unfinished business, so I need to go. Guess this is goodbye."

Galen stared down at me. "Goodbye? If you even think about leaving, I’ll kill you right here."

"Y-Your Grace?"

"Come back to the Shadow Court with me. Be my Queen."

So, yeah, I went. I’m not stupid—pain sucks, dying probably hurts even more. Plus, ‘Queen’ just sounded too damn cool.