“There has to be another way!” Jesuha’s father glanced up in the study as the prince stormed through the door.

His father sighed, “There is no other way. Even she is not above the law. She must go with Apollyon.”

“To exile and death!” he screamed. “You would kill my bride, your own daughter!”

The king looked up, tears dotting his eyes. “You know the price for theft of the sacred fruit. There is nothing I can do.”

Jesuha saw the half-truth in his father's eye.  He could do nothing, but maybe someone else could.

Jesuha braced his hands on the table and looked his father in the eye. “But there is something I can do, isn’t there?” The king’s face paled as his son continued. “There is a way to break the contract.”

His father’s face fell, tears freely pouring from his eyes. “There is one way. But the cost is very heavy. I would never ask it of you.”

Jesuha straightened up, a fire in his eyes and determination set on his face. “Whatever the cost, I’m willing to pay it. She is worth it. Now tell me what I must do.”