314 Fodder for gossip

"Lillith, you're a very special woman," Rowan said to the princess who began blushing from the compliment. "And maybe in another lifetime, I would be a lucky man to have you as my partner for life." 

The lips that were arcing into a smile froze on Lillith's face. 

"But in this lifetime, I cannot reciprocate the affection you have for me. I'm sorry, Lillith, I cannot love anyone else but Syryn."

Lillith tangled her fingers against the cloth of her dress. The sweetness in her heart was being replaced by a pain that felt like a fist was squeezing it. 

"Rowan, you are making a mistake," she replied, voice shaky. "Have you forgotten your duty to Eos?" 

"I haven't."

"Then why?" Lillith couldn't believe that Rowan was going to throw away everything for Syryn. 

"I wish you the very best, Lillith," he replied. Rowan knew that she wouldn't understand even if he explained it.