s P

ke up," I was on a

his was the chamber of mine. It was a world away from the memories I had of Henrie

s brow was furrowed in a deep frown. I recognized him as the Hays fam

a well-tailored riding suit, bearing the subtle twin-headed dragon cr

voice gentle but distant. "Clement was to

was beating me, it was Edmon who burst in and caught hold of Clement's raised leg. "Enough, Clement! Do you want to kill her?" he h

hanged into a simple white dress. Her eyes

down her face. "Sister, you're finally awake! You scared me to dea

ine. I didn't pull my hand away, needing to c

r Edmon, the young lady's injuries... are severe. Broken ribs, and her internal organs

ay. The man left as if granted a par

blings. Edmon's gaze fell on me, scrutinizing. "Alys

l hoarse. "Yes. I'll wait unti

on. He was used to my silence or t

ve, just tell our brothers. Don't make Father and Mother a

iating each word. "My marriage? Henrie

color drained from Henrietta's face.

as more tears flowed. She turned to Edmon for help.

e like this with your sister. She feels terrible. This

ture of a 'Dragonless' daughter?" I asked softly, m

of sacrifice in this world, a star

uld manage was a stiff, "This was a joint decision by the Elder C

with them was pointless. Their deep-seated selfishne

sion. Edmon's tone softened slightly. "Get some rest. Fa

he still-sobbing

s faded, I opened my

y but felt only a dead stillness. This was the body of a "Dragonless," u

dented clarity of understanding washes over me,

ater and cloths. Maeve was one of the few people in this house who had ne

and the cuts on my lips, her eyes reddened, but she

ully cleaned my wounds, my m

h. Second, get what I deserve. Third

this family was to let them watch as the "useless" daughter

heavy and authoritative. I knew the main players in