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
Bianca’s eyes widen as Kaine’s expression turns icy. “She’s your sister—not just a guard. And after such a major security breach, no one’s safety can be guaranteed. Tomorrow’s ceremony is canceled.”Bianca’s mouth falls open as she stares at Kaine, but she doesn’t push. His mind is made up. As Kaine
“What does the past have to do with being a good luna?” she whispers under her breath. “Shouldn’t we be learning something more relevant?”I pause from my notetaking to respond. “It is important to know the history of the kingdom in order to better understand the politics happening modern day. If yo
I freeze. I’m not even sure why it was my instinct to compare Prince Kaine to Robert. The words had left my mouth without thinking.I wait for the prince’s response waiting for a harsher rebuke at having used his name in such a manner, but he simply looks at me and says, “Robert is the son of an alp
The relationship between the two sisters shouldn’t be my concern, but I can’t help but feel uneasy about some of the things Bianca says. I was just as quick to believe that Ember was the mole, I have no room to judge Bianca in that regard, but something about the look in her eye at the mention of Em







