Chapter Ten

Casteel explains recent tensions in Atlantia—limited land and resources, heated debates, and his father’s absence—then turns to Poppy’s safety. Despite his orders, vengeance-minded Atlantians may still target her as the Maiden, so he proposes marriage to mark her as his and render her a protected Princess in their eyes.

He reveals broader stakes: many Atlantians and wolven are ready for war, and Atlantia is strong enough to win. However, war would likely doom Malik, so Casteel seeks a negotiated exchange. Using Poppy’s revered status in Solis, their marriage would publicly contradict the Ascended’s dogma, pressure the Crown, and allow him to demand Malik’s release and land east of New Haven.

Casteel plans to present the Ascended with terms—agree or face war—and intends to remove the King and Queen afterward, while compelling other Ascended to control their bloodlust to avoid slaughter. He vows not to force marriage and offers divorce later, admitting shame over her situation. Poppy, weighing survival and her own goals, negotiates a condition: his help to reach her brother Ian.

Poppy agrees to the temporary marriage and to maintain the engagement publicly for protection, though she promises private resistance. They decide to wed immediately upon reaching Atlantia, before facing Casteel’s parents, to deter internal threats. The conversation closes with wary banter, a demand for an obvious engagement ring, and a shared, pragmatic commitment to use their union to free both brothers.