ETHAN'S POV"How come Goddess Israel's temple is so much bigger and much more gilded than your palace?" Tracy asks in an astounded voice as she gapes at the opulent interior of the massive temple with widened eyes. "I thought the King's palace is the most important feature of every Kingdom? What's the point of having a temple this big?" I halt, a bit shocked by her shallow thinking. I had expected a good person like her to have deeper knowledge of what's truly important. "My palace is nothing more than a home for me and my small family. The only other special purpose it serves is hosting occasional meetings with our allies." I state matter-of-factly. "This temple is what connects us with the Goddess of life. Her great powers keeps us wealthy and powerful. In return we bring our tributes here for the poor and the sick to collect." I explain even though it's something she should be aware of already."Not everything you have said makes much sense to me. But since you're the man I love

EMMA'S POVNo one has ever offered me a gift before, that's probably the reason why this old blanket feels warmer than any other I have ever used. Stephen gave it to me when we came back from dinner and I couldn't help feeling on top of the world despite the fact that I can only use it for the few days I am allowed to live. I may be waiting for my death but instead of feeling scared I feel fortunate and grateful. I desired the things I have now throughout the years I was free and never got them. I longed to have friends and a loving family but all I got was hate. This may be a prison but I finally feel accepted and a little appreciated as well.Lilian and her siblings now feels like the caring family I never had. Stephen is turning out to be quite the genuine friend I wished to meet. Getting a gift was the other thing I dreamed of and he made me feel a little special by giving me this blanket. It has holes in some places, but that's alright since we are in prison where new things are

ETHAN'S POVA lot of things about Tracy's attempted rape seem questionable. As much as I like to render justice against lewd men that foolishly use their physical strength to harm women, but I feel like facts are missing in this case. Tracy has been quite sloppy lately, these girlish dramas are so unlike her. I thought she was heading to the palace kitchen to get water, how did she end up walking in the opposite direction? Any man would have to be mad to attempt raping any female inside a palace like this. It's unwise to trust every word that Tracy says when she isn't acting as modest as the virtuous lady she has always been. "You should kick that bitch out of this palace right now! Everything she says is a lie. She is a monster in sheep's clothing, trust me!" Jason roars angrily, shifting dramatically in his seat across desk.A credible witness would help solve a lot in a case like this, but apparently my drunk baby brother isn't exactly a trustworthy source of the truth, not when

EMMA'S POVI take deep breathes to ease the anxiety that is causing my blood to rush through my veins and my hairs to stand on end. Everyone else around me seems confident and ready, probably because they don't worry about how fast they can move or who is going to be chasing after them later. I watch with a racing heart as Stephen's group of friends starts the scene that is supposed to cause a distraction. Two of them start yelling out loud at each other, their fake expressions of range seeming quite convincing. "You're mad to think I will let this slide! Take your silly words back or I will snap your skinny neck!" One yells at the other. "All I said are facts! It's not my fault you are so ashamed of the truth!" His partner in the act fires back. The ferocity in their voices makes it seem like they will tear the life out of each other."Such a loose mouth you have! I will teach you how to mind your own business like a man should!" The first guy rises from his seat, his fists clench

TRACY'S POVHis mate's home is here. And her parents are seated a few steps away from us. But I can't let him know that, he would set me on fire right here in front of everyone. "I did not ask much about her home. I only focussed on the wrongs everyone said she had committed. I can't take you to her home because I don't know where it is exactly." I say and he regards me with suspicion in his eyes."How did you become so sure that she was evil if you only talked to strangers?" He questions, sounding like he is accusing me of lying. Killing three people isn't evil enough for him? I know it's was a lie I made, but since he doesn't know that I would expect him to keep hating her. Why is he suddenly acting so unusual? "Everyone said that she was jealous. I also don't see how a good person would poison three people and try to get away?" I argue. He remains silent for a few seconds, seeming to be deeply thinking. "Maybe she was evil, but I still want to meet her parents. So you'll take me