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
EvelynFinally, the palace gates cam into view on the horizon and loomed ahead, tall and dark against a bruised evening sky. Our horses trotted over the cobblestones, as the path beneath us turned from the thin, travel-worn path of packed earth to paved road.We were silent as we approached, each of
“It’s only been a few days,” I offered, not sure what to say to soften it all.Alex shook his head. “No, you don’t understand. This is different. I’ve been with so many lovers that I’ve lost count. As the prince, I have met too many people to name. But she’s different. I’ve never felt like this befo
LoganA knock at my chamber door drew me from thought. I had been lost to my own speculation all morning, thinking about all that had happened and all that was to come.We had so much on the horizon, Evelyn and I. A new start. A fresh mating bond. A child made from both her and I. Even hours after w
Instead, her voice came soft, almost fragile. “A more permanent solution may be necessary. See that it is done.”The air left my lungs in a quiet rush. For a heartbeat, I stared at her, and in her eyes I saw not porcelain fragility but unyielding steel. These past few months had changed her, and per







