LOGINKaine’s POVMy mind is racing so fast that I can barely cling to a single thought before ten more shove it out of the way. It’s all too loud, too complicated.What the fuck am I supposed to do?Things have never been good between my stepmother and I, but I never dreamed that it would escalate to thi
The chatter in the room grows as everyone stops addressing the King directly and talks among themselves about the Prince. Now that the evidence has been disproven, everyone feels confident enough to voice their doubts based on what they know about Kaine’s personality.My eyes focus on the Queen who,
“Ember?” the King prompts again.I have no idea why he’s putting so much faith in me. I didn’t expect the other guard’s word to matter that much to him, but he asked me for my opinion before the actual Scribe who was assigned the job.It doesn’t feel like I’m a suspect scrambling for survival anymor
The King stares at us, supposedly trying to make up his mind about if he’ll allow it or not. I refuse to look too eager and solidify my expression into a blank one.Before he can speak, there’s another voice that comes from my side. “I’ll vow for her as well!”“And me!”After about twenty guards voi
Royal law states that all matters like inspection must be done in public. So, even though the Court was technically in recess, no one moved a muscle to take a break. Everyone wants to see how this is going to play out.A show for their consumption.The energy in the room was so heavy that it was nea
“Prince Kaine, you truly had no idea of the suspicions of Laramie Bell before he was arrested?” the King asks, doubt lacing his tone.“Truly, Father, My King, I swear to you that I had no idea that Mr. Bell was even under the Crown’s suspicion.”The King opens his mouth to say more, but the Queen in
The sky is still dim when I arrive at the training grounds. Bianca trails a few steps behind me, quiet for once. She’s dressed appropriately, leggings, a fitted jacket, her hair tied back in a high braid that swings like a metronome with each step. She walks like someone with something to prove. For
EmberThe final days before we leave are full of quiet preparation.Jake handles most of the logistics, helping us draft travel orders that frame the visit as a standard property review.Nothing urgent or suspicious. This is simply a routine inspection of land ledgers and boundary lines, supposedly
A few wolves watch her go but say nothing. They seem... surprised. I can’t blame them.I move to help some junior guards down the line, offering brief corrections and silent nods. My voice stays steady as I adjust shoulders, point out openings.Prince Kaine doesn’t speak. He stands at the edge of th
I repeat Jasper’s words to myself “He doesn’t know what he has until it’s slipping away.”It shouldn’t bother me. Jasper likes games. He likes getting under skin. Still, I know what he saw. Kaine, silent in meetings unless I speak. Kaine, watching me across the yard, across the court, across the ro







