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
Without him to give witness I can never accuse her. She wields too much power as the Queen. If I try to stand against her without evidence, I will be better off letting the next assassin kill me.I bend down to better examine the corpse. Perhaps there is something on his person tying him to her, or
I awake with a groan and pull myself out of bed. I rush to the bathroom pressing a hand to my stomach, as a particularly fierce wave of morning sickness washes over me. I look up and pray to the Goddess that these early symptoms will pass soon.Once the nausea has subdued enough to stand, I wash and
Bianca does her best to hide her discomfort as she waits for Kaine’s response. It is clear that he’s uncomfortable with the question, but Bianca just looks at him expectantly.After a beat he says, “I told you, I was mostly out of control that night. I know I… enjoyed myself, but I really don’t reme
Lila walks quietly through the north wing of the palace, her steps light against the polished floor. She’s not looking for anything in particular, just passing time before her next appointment, when a familiar voice reaches her ears. She pauses just outside one of the Queen’s private sitting rooms.







