MasukRiley’s POVMy pulse hammered frantically in my ears. I squeezed the edge of the door, forcing my voice to stay level."It's just lavender and sage oil," I stammered, holding my breath. "I was using a reed diffuser to help me sleep."“It didn’t smell like scented oil. It’s more like—”I cut him off sharply as my heart pounded in my chest. “Are you here to search my room, Prince Ezra? Because if that’s the case, I’d like to close the door and go back to sleep now.”Ezra lingered for a second, his dark eyes sweeping over my face before he seemed to relax slightly. He reached out, his broad hand catching the frame of the heavy oak door before I could swing it shut."Wait. I didn't come here to search your room, Riley," he said softly, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "I came to talk about tomorrow morning's execution."My stomach instantly twisted into a tight knot. "What about it?""I know how you feel about those people," Ezra continued, looking down at me with a rare, vulnerable softn
Riley’s POVMy heart nearly leaped out of my throat, slamming violently against my ribs like a trapped bird.I froze, the cold sweat on my back instantly turning into ice.But I had prepared for this. I knew taking this risk in his room meant I needed a backup plan—a lie so sweet and believable that it would blind him.I quickly slid burner phone into the deep pocket of my silk robe, clutching the small wooden object I had kept hidden in my palm all night.Slowly, I turned around to face the doorway.Ezra was standing there in the dim moonlight, leaning against the doorframe. His dark hair was messy, his eyes narrowed as he stared at me through the shadows, his expression unreadable and icy."I asked you a question, Riley," he said softly, stepping into the room. "What are you doing at my desk in the middle of the night?"I swallowed the lump of sheer terror in my throat, forcing my hands to stop shaking. I held out my hand, opening my palm to reveal a hand-carved wooden pendant resti
Riley’s POVI stood in the dark, carpeted hallway outside Ezra’s private suite, my hands sweating so hard I could barely hold my phone.I knew I couldn't just knock on his door and walk in. Not after the huge fight we had in the garden, and definitely not after I slapped him. If I wanted to get inside his room to look for those patrol maps, I had to swallow my pride and pretend I was coming to apologize.I took a deep breath, forcing my trembling legs to move forward. But right as I reached the heavy mahogany doors, my heart nearly stopped.The door was slightly cracked, and a thin line of warm light spilled onto the floor. I watched in total horror as Viola slipped inside and closed the door softly behind her.My feet froze. It was well past midnight. What was she doing in his bedroom at this hour?A wave of intense nausea hit me. Part of me wanted to turn around, run back to my room, and cry under the covers. But I couldn't. Axel’s warning rang in my ears: if I didn't get those maps
Riley’s POVI couldn't watch them for another second. The sight made my blood run cold, and before I could stop myself, I stomped out of the dark shadows into the moonlight."Get off him, Viola," I said, my voice sharp and cutting through the quiet night air.Viola gasped, pulling back from Ezra instantly. She turned to look at me, her eyes widening in mock surprise before her face twisted into a sad, helpless expression."Riley!" she gasped, clutching her hands to her chest, her voice trembling. "It’s not what it looks like... Ezra was just feeling so overwhelmed with everything, and I was trying to comfort him. Please don't be angry—""Shut up, Viola," I spat, my hands balled into fists at my sides. "Just leave."Viola looked at Ezra, her eyes full of tears, waiting for him to defend her. But Ezra didn't even look at her. His green eyes were fixed entirely on me, dark and unreadable."Go inside, Viola," Ezra said, his voice flat and tired."Ezra... are you sure?" she asked softly."
Riley’s POVEzra didn't come back after that day.Every morning, I sat at the long dining table for breakfast, looking at his empty chair and hoping to see him walk through the doors. I even walked past his bedroom door late at night, stopping just to listen for any sound inside. But there was nothing. Silence.Meanwhile, the whole palace was celebrating. Everyone was thrilled about the new baby. No one seemed to notice or care that Ezra was gone. It made me furious, but there was nothing I could do about it.Two days passed, and the execution of the innocent civilians was set for tomorrow morning.On the night before the execution, Soren threw a huge party to celebrate Everly’s pregnancy.The main hall was packed with nobles. Everyone crowded around my mother, showering her with fake praise and congratulations, acting as if they hadn't looked down on her just a week ago. I watched her laughing and glowing in the middle of the room, but I couldn't feel happy for her.To her, this baby
Riley’s POVI sitting in the glass gazebo in the palace gardens, holding an open book on my lap. But I hadn't read a single word in two hours.My skin felt tight with anxiety, every cell in my body waiting for the burner phone in my pocket to buzz with a message from Axel. The execution was scheduled for less than 3 days.If Axel didn't strike soon, Uncle Jo, the young healer girl, and dozens of others would be dead.Suddenly, a tall shadow fell over my book.I looked up. Ezra was standing at the edge of the gazebo, his heavy dark coat pulled over his shoulders, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. He didn't ask for permission. He just stepped inside and sat down on the stone bench right next to me."You're not turning the pages," he said softly, his eyes fixed on the distant tree line."I'm…thinking about the plot," I replied, forcing my voice to sound casual as I looked back down at the paper."I was thinking too," Ezra said, leaning back against the bench. "So I did a little dig
Riley’s POVWhat?I could barely believe what I just heard.Ms. Bright just said I was in Ezra’s team?But that couldn’t be right. Something’s wrong!For a second, the entire field was completely silent. Then chaos erupted. Everyone started whispering to each other, some girls even screamed. Everyo
Riley’s POVMe and Ezra Ravenshire are mates.This has to be the worst news ever.He took a few steps, then turned back when he saw I wasn’t following. “Hurry. Didn’t you beg me to come to this stupid thing? What are you waiting for now?”I let out a pained groan in my head.Still, I had no choice b
Riley’s POVMy eyes widened a little, stunned.I never thought that warrior would pick me as his opponent.Not because I was scared of him. But warriors and healers aren’t even on the same playing field when it comes to strength or combat skills.Like Danica once said, healers are usually protected
Riley’s POVOlivia’s face went white.“N-No! Wait—” she shrieked as two of Ezra’s men strode toward her.They didn’t hesitate for even a second. One grabbed her by the arm. The other reached for her shoulder like they really meant to drag her all the way back to the blasted camp and toss her into t







