"I made a deal with the king," Bella said, her voice flat but resolute.
"What kind of deal?" Daniel's eyes darkened. "What did he ask of you?"
She hesitated. "He wants me to… stay close to the princes. Jesse and Julius. He wants me to observe them and tell him who is most fit to rule."
Daniel stared at her, stunned. "That's madness. He wants you to become a spy."
"Yes."
"No," Daniel said firmly. "You are not doing that. We're leaving. Right now."
"I can't," she said again, this time more quietly. "If I run… he'll hurt you. Maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, but he'll find a way."
"You're not responsible for me, Bella."
"But I am," she whispered. "You were willing to die for me. This is how I repay that."
Daniel looked at her, heart breaking at the weight she carried. "Bella… this place, these people, it will swallow you whole. I made a huge mistake allowing you come here."
She gave him a small, sad smile. "Then I'll learn to swim."
