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
EvelynThe scent of blood still clung to everything. I’d scrubbed myself raw, and still, the smell lingered in my nose. I wondered if I would ever feel clean of it again.It didn’t matter how many days had passed since Jesse and his rogues had torn through our lines. No amount of bathing, salves, or
“Lead the way,” I said, cutting him short. A chance to be useful in the middle of this chaotic turn of events was like a lifeline. The possibility of saving lives was why I had initially ventured into the rogue camp, after all.The rogue boy blinked, startled by my eagerness. When he mutely turned t
LoganI’d led men into battle, watched them bleed and fall, and I still marched forward. I’d memorized maps, endured sleepless nights at war tables, and hunted down rogue threats until my soul felt threadbare. I’d given everything I had to this fight.And it hadn’t been enough.Evelyn had been right
EvelynMy wrists were rubbed raw.Every twist, every tug, carved the rope deeper into my skin. Eventually, the futile efforts had created chaffing deep enough to draw blood, but still, I didn’t stop.The knot the guards had tied to bind my wrists was tight. I knew that I was smarter than the guards







