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
EmberI wake before sunrise, though my body aches in protest. My ribs aren’t broken, just bruised and the wound on my side is shallow, but every movement reminds me of last night’s failure. I sit up slowly, easing the blanket away and testing my balance before rising to change the bandage.The air i
***Bianca walks alone through the narrow street. She moves quickly, weaving through alleys and side roads most nobles wouldn’t think to use. Her hood shields her face from view.This part of town doesn’t get much sunlight, even in the middle of the day. Now, with evening creeping in, it’s nearly de
“Then what is?”I don’t have an answer I can say aloud. There is nothing I can put into words that would sound fair, or appropriate.“I’ve read the reports,” she goes on. “I know what we’re dealing with. If it’s a real threat, then you need every capable guard with you. Leaving me behind doesn’t mak
EmberMy presence is requested before I can settle in my office the next morning. A junior guard knocks once, tense in the doorway, and hands me the parchment without a word. He turns and leaves before I can ask anything.I recognize the royal seal immediately.The King has summoned me.I read the







