~KivaI rub my hands down the front of my pants, fingers trembling.I’ve been summoned by an obscure letter left on my dresser to meet Caspian at his room tonight. I know what that means, but if I avoid this, like I want to, I may ruin the thin thread of trust between us.He must have taken into account his past failure when he came to my room.Thankfully Ark is off tonight. The guard having taken his place merely nodded in understanding when I told him I was heading to the Prince’s room.I just hope this doesn’t get back to Ark…I knock softly on Caspian’s door, hoping he won’t hear it and I can claim in the morning that I figured he was asleep.Unfortunately, he opens the door, grinning at the sight of me."You wanted me?"He opens the door a little wider. "Kiva. Come in."Swallowing thickly, I stride into the impressively sized room. My eyes immediately draw to the large bed in the centre of it, dressed in a dark coloured duvet.At least Caspian isn’t naked. He wears a loose shirt

~KivaA week ago, I returned home. Two days ago, my mate sent me a letter.Ark must have gotten into my room while I was gone. I'm not sure why he bothered, since he could have just told me he wanted to speak to my face, but clearly he is maintaining the ruse that he isn't working for the rebellion.It all seems so ridiculous. There is so much pointless lying, considering the truth is so obviously laid out.Regardless, I'm heading out into the forest tonight to meet with the masked figure.Ark is supposedly elsewhere tonight. Convenient that I've been requested to leave the manor he isn't working...Ice crunches underfoot as I pick my way carefully through the forest. My skin crawls with a haunting feeling like I'm being watched, or followed.I pause, glancing over my shoulder.Nothing. Just flimsy shadows wrapped around trees, seeming to crawl their way toward me. A soft but steady breeze rustles the canopy above me, adding to the ominous scene unfolding around me.Turning around I g

~KivaI stare into the mirror, hating what looks back.Today is my wedding day. This afternoon I will be wed to Caspian, and I will be a Princess in his territory. To make matters worse, I’ll be moving in here full time.And there will be no avoiding Caspian.My door swings open, my father striding in.“Today is the day,” I muse, brushing at a few stray hairs that have fallen from my up-do. Two girls spent three hours getting me ready, and now I’m exhausted. My eyes drift to where my dress hangs. I hate it. I hate this entire time experience.“You were born for this, daughter,” father exclaims, adjusting the lapels of his jacket.“I just hope I’ll be happy,” I breathe.I don’t seem to have the energy to force a smile onto my face right now. Instead, I look solemn, like the life has been sucked out of me overnight. Father doesn’t seem to notice, though. “I’m going to miss you around the manor.” He rests his hands on my shoulders, meeting my gaze in the mirror.I swing around in my ch

~KivaArk presses his hand against my back, guiding me through the darkness."I'm freezing." My teeth are chattering as my wet clothing clings to my skin.I just crossed the river back through the forest. If Ark’s training has achieved anything, it’s giving me enough stamina to cross with much more ease than my first attempt.From there, we stalked through the trees and to this dilapidated shack that is apparently a safe house.Ark shoves a door open that nearly swings off its rusty hinges. He stoops his head down and wanders inside, helping me along.The ceiling sags down, swallowing half the room. When Ark mentioned a safe house, I had other ideas. Not…this."There are blankets in here,” he assures me, waving dust out of the way."It looks empty,” I note.Nothing of worth seems to be in here except for a few empty shelves that are cracked and falling apart. Even the windows are cloudy and half overgrown by undergrowth from the forest. "This isn't the safe spot." He kicks a spot on

~Kiva Taven keeps a strong hold on my arm as he knocks on a hardwood door at the lowest level of the compound. It’s opened a crack, and then enough for an arm to reach out to yank me into the room. The door slams, locking Taven out. I doubt I’ll see him again anytime soon. Turning around, I see a few people scattered about and then Ark, standing in the centre of them. An immense weight of emotions crushes down upon me to the point I nearly choke on them. It takes me a moment to force away the fear, but once it’s gone, it leaves pure rage in its wake. “You…”His expression softens as he approaches me. “Kiva, let me explain-““You lied to me.” I hate that my voice cracks. I hate that I sound so weak, so betrayed. But that is exactly what I am. “You’re angry, that’s understandable, but-““You told me you didn’t work for them. You made me feel safe.” I take a step away from him, hating the way he draws closer. I hate that he looks the same. He should be uglier, like his face was