Chapter 48Standing in the dressing room, I peak out from the behind the curtain to see an array of reporters from news crews to social media bloggers to those looking for a scoop for the Zalaris Star - the Capitol City’s news paper. It seems that my Uncle spared no corners when it came to inviting anyone and everyone who could get the word out.“Are you okay?” Sky’s voice is just beside my ear, making me jump as I turn to face him. He chuckles, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear and making me smile.“Nervous, but I can do it.” I answer, taking his free hand in mine and relishing in his touch. Alice had told me that Sky went to check on Juden and the security in the Dungeons before he ran into Ron and my Grandfather. She had sent a Maid to find the three men to come meet us in the Broadcasting Room, which they thankfully did. I don’t think I could face all those people waiting in the crowd for me without Sky beside me.“Well, you get through this and then we can go on a much neede

Chapter 50Looking at my reflection in the full length mirror, I do my best to make sure the hickey Sky had given me yesterday is hidden. Today is the day of my first Ball in the Palace and I do not need tongues wagging within the Nobles gossip circles. Lidia had done a good job choosing the gown I would wear today, a dusty rose coloured gown made from organza and lace with a slit up the left side of the gown. The sleeves were full length that started flaring out at my elbow and thankfully the material hid the mark on my shoulder. My hair was kept in loose curls with a decorative clip keeping the strands out of my face while my bangs were styled with a small flat iron.Millia and Clarice wanted me to wear stilettos but I opted for a pair of rose gold peep-toed kitten heels. It will be a long night tonight and I want comfortable shoes that I can dance the night away in or fight if something happens.Since the broadcasting three days ago I have been feeling uneasy. Max and his men promi

Chapter 52"Sky.” Lia appears from the shadows, a smile on her face as she appears beside Noir."Mia is watching the shack but she is there. Alli is there.” Relief fills me as I slump in Noir’s saddle. We are so close to saving her now.“How many people?” I ask, climbing from Noir. I let his reigns fall to the ground.“Four men. The shack only has one main room and one bath room. Hunters use it to camp out during hunting season.” She takes out a dagger from her boot and motions for Kian to come join us. We all agreed Alec will stay with our horses so that we have an easy getaway.“Alli is close to bathroom door. She is passed out on a mattress. It seems only one man is guarding the door, like he is waiting for someone.” She draws the shack as best as possible in the ground, using a circle to show Allisara and triangles for the kidnappers.“Three are inside playing a card game and drinking. I have a feeling they are drunk. It’s the guy guarding the door we need to worry about.” Lia con

Chapter 54Gasping awake from my dream, I look around the room and realize that I am safe and sound in my own bed. A fire roars in my fireplace, dimly lighting the room and keeping it warm and my body feels so sore and weak."Allisara?” I shiver at the sound of his deep voice, my head turning towards my bedroom door. There Sky stands, his emerald eyes locked onto my violet ones.“Hi.” I croak out, tears falling down my face. He rushes to my side, pulling me into his arms as soon as he sits on the edge of the bed and I begin to sob. How did I forget him, my Sky?"What’s wrong? are you hurting?" He asks, rubbing my back and doing his best to soothe me."I’m sorry I forgot about you." I sob out, my arms snaking around his neck. He pulls away in shock, his eyes wide as his hands move to cup my face.“You…you remember me?” He whispers, his own tears falling down his face.“Yes!” I manage to say before his lips slam against mine, claiming them in a heated kiss. I melt into his embrace, part

Chapter 56Sitting in the waiting room of the hospital wing, my left leg bounces as anxiety and worry courses through me. Kian is pacing the floor, his eyes full of anger while Lia and Mia mumble prayers. Alice is sitting beside me, staring at the doors as we all way for a nurse to confirm whether or not we can visit our friend. Sky had gone for a coffee run with Arian and Adam; the two guards having rushed here as soon as they got the news.“Princess.” A small voice calls out causing me to jump to my feet and march towards the Nurse that came through the heavy doors.“How is he?” I ask right away, taking the Nurse’s hands in mine.“He is resting now. The surgery was a success.” A collective sigh goes through all of us, the tension and worry in the room breaking as we all visibly relax. Max had been in surgery the moment he was sent back to the Palace. As soon as we all managed to return home, we had made our way to the hospital wing. The nurse typing on the laptop in the corner was t