LOGINEvelynTwo Years LaterThe gardens outside the palace were alive with late-spring blossoms, their perfume carried on a gentle breeze to fill my nose, as my daughter’s laughter, bright and bubbling, carried across the lawn. I watched her reemerge into view, weaving through the rose bushes as she chas
Evelyn The throne room of my father’s palace had never looked so magnificent. Banners in silver and deep royal blue draped from the vaulted ceilings, fine designs embroidered into every piece of fabric. Torches burned in golden sconces, their flames reflected in polished marble floors. The air carr
Logan Two Months LaterThe room was awash with candlelight from the hundreds of candles lining the space. They collectively cast their amber glow on the stone walls, giving our surroundings a soft appearance.Laughter and music poured through the air, filling every corner with celebration. Tonight
LoganThe tavern was alive with laughter. It felt like everyone else there had something to celebrate as well.Around us floated the sound of clinking glasses and the scent of roasted meats wafting through the air. The scene was incredibly jovial and a far cry from the war councils and court politi
“He loves her,” I said quietly, though the words sounded fragile echoing against the empty walls of the throne room. “And you would punish him for it.”“Love is only worth so much,” my father said, the warmth of a moment ago gone. His eyes hardened. “A ruler must make decisions based on what is best
EvelynThe throne room always felt too large. It had been so long since I had been inside the vast, sprawling space, and even then, it had been filled with others for my brother’s princely coronation ceremony when he was fourteen. But now it was just us, my father and I. There weren’t even guards in
Logan I remembered the first time I saw Jesse. It was not a moment I would easily forget.We were in a bustling market. My mother used to take me out like that when I was little so that I could explore the streets and people I would one day reign over.It was one of those summer days when the scent
“Who is that?” one of my friends asked, following my stunned expression to look at Jesse. “Looks like a half-starved mutt.”I ignored the comment and walked over, heart pounding for reasons I couldn’t name.He saw me coming and went still. His eyes narrowed instantly. He recognized me, too.“Jesse,”
“Ready?” my brother asked from the seat beside me. He was calm and confident, his tailored suit immaculate as always. I nodded, smoothing out the skirt of my dress. “Let’s do this.” As the car rolled up to the entrance, flashbulbs erupted like fireworks, lighting up the night. My brother stepped
I stare out the window, watching the scenery blur past, my mind wandering.By the time we return to the palace, the knot in my chest has loosened, though the weight of the day still lingers.When we arrive, the palace is alive with activity.Ministers from the kingdom, early-arriving Alphas from oth