登入Theodore’s POVI looked around the rich wood paneling of the conference room. This was one of the rooms in the royal palace that I had thought to be superfluous at first. Why have a room specifically for business meetings when there were twenty-some other places to gather in this unnecessarily large
Theo stood, and I returned my attention to him as he offered me his hand. I took it, leaning into him more than usual as I stood.Holding me close, pressing our bodies together, Theo tilted his head up to the striking sun. “Do you feel that?” he asked. “The warmth of the sun?”I closed my eyes, a si
Violet’s POVInstead of lunch plans, Theo told Marcy and Aunt Marissa that we would back for dinner with both the families. Then my husband dragged me around the market, picking up a loaf of warm bread, some cheese, dried meats, fruit, and a hand-woven blanket that was the same red and yellows as ou
“You alright?” I asked them both.Colby blinked and gathered himself, nodding once. Sinclair’s gaze snapped to mine with something like rage in them. I wasn’t sure if it was for letting such young kids fight or from hiding this from them up until now.He seemed to remember himself though, remember h
Theodore’s POVThe next morning, everyone gathered at one of Violet’s cousin’s farms in town. It was the only place big enough to showcase what they’d been learning. Apparently, they were used to training on Uncle Caleb’s farm, but since everyone was already gathered here, we would make do.Violet a
Violet’s POVI had to be careful.I knew I had a bias toward women. Everything I’d said to Olivia Bronson at the royal palace had been true. I did relate her.Growing up as an incredibly capable woman in a world where women weren’t expected to be capable was suffocating. I was desperate to change th
Violet The grand doors to the banquet hall swung open, and the hum of voices swelled into a roar. I held my head high, schooling my expression into one of serene confidence as Theodore and I walked in together. The crowns of light still lingered, drawing everyone’s attention. The banquet hall of M
“Violet,” I whispered, my voice hoarse, but she didn’t seem to hear me. Her tears didn’t stop, and I couldn’t tell if they were from pain, relief, or something else entirely. The High Priest’s voice cut through the quiet. “You may now kiss your bride.” The weight of his words hit me like a tid
Violet’s POV I swallowed, turning to Theodore. My eyes were wide, but I did as I was told. My hands were so small and delicate looking in his, trembling subtly. He smiled at me as the smoke weaved around our hands, tying them together. I wasn’t prepared for the jolt of awareness that went throug
The whispers had dulled, replaced by an expectant silence. “Nonsense old friend,” the High Priest said. “There is nothing ceremonial about your presence here.” Her lips twitched. “For the law within this country, my appearance is completely ceremonial.” “Ah, I do forget that.” He chuckled to h







