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
LoganThe sky was the color of ash, neither dark nor light, just heavy and indifferent. It felt like a good reflection of my mood.The wind skimmed through the tall grass as I led Jesse down the old path, shackles clinking softly with every step he took. He didn’t speak. He hadn’t, not since I went
“Don’t.” His voice was hoarse.“She hated me. I know that. But I never hated her the same way, I swear it! And this?” My voice cracked with disbelief. “I was trying to save her. You saw, Logan. And I was with you all night.”“She accused you,” he said flatly. “With her last breath.”I blinked at him
Evelyn I glared at Logan, defying his defiance, even as I noticed that something in me had shifted.For so long, I had been denying it, dismissing it even to myself. This was more than longing. More than love. It was instinct, primal, deep, and ancient, like it had been written in my bones long bef
“Logan,” she said breathlessly as she reached me. “What is this all about?”I gritted my teeth. It was difficult to meet her eyes. “Jesse escaped.”She gasped, small and delicate. “And you’re going to search for him?”“I’m going to capture him,” I said. “And then I’m going to lock him in a dark cell







