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
“I will address it.”Jake shifts his weight but does not leave.“You’ve already reviewed the incident report from the mission,” he says. “but it seems like someone gave him an advantage whether they meant to or not.”“I am aware.”Jake nods once more. “Let me know if you need help.”He leaves withou
“You hit the same side you injured.”She doesn’t argue. Her skin is pale, and her breathing comes out in shallow gasps. I can see the effort it takes for her to keep herself upright.“I’m taking you to the healer.”She starts to protest again, but it dies out. Her face says it all.EmberThe corrido
KaineI’ve gone through the border reports three times now and still haven’t absorbed a word. My thoughts circle the same two moments. The rogue attack in the forest. and then, just hours later, the Captain creeping toward Ember’s tent with a blade.Two separate events. Two deliberate attacks.The f
EmberThe energy within the palace has changed. Everyone moves with more urgency, and there is tension palpable in the air.There’s a new urgency beneath everything. Even the way people speak has changed. People are quieter, more curt. There is a sense of strain in the palace, like we’re all waiting







