viev

Two daughters of the Cruz house being wed on t

f deafening brass and festive clamor, my carriage finally rolled to

ed away, replaced

chestrated by the hands of Q

edridden, his marrow devoured by the frost of dra

isturb his fragile rest, the Queen had ensured that

ce the arrival of the dragon's bride. The estate's courty

The vibrant velvet pooled around my feet, its golden-thread embroid

ace, restricting my vision to the crude,

a ceremonial car

the corners of my lips beneath th

ediately caught my arm to steady me

ld of the estate, making my way toward the grand hall. Behind me followed

d my path. Six stern-faced dowagers flanked the doorway, t

e daughter. It should have commanded the utmost reverence. But to certain pow

useless, dragonless sacr

d draped in a fine fur-lined cloak, her chin raised in arrogant disdain. "Passing over the flames wards off ill omens,

ove

It was a staggering two feet wide and nearly ten f

ild boar onto it, the scent of searing flesh would fill the air instantly. Yet t

pig, or did she mistake me for a

she glared at Martha Hayes. "Who could possibly step over a

Martha snapped, her brow furrowing with deep displeasure.

glowing red with heat, and you dare suggest walking across it? Would you cross it? My lady wears silk sl

te under the direct authority of Queen Corrin Frazier! We were tasked with managing

a fierce step forward, utterly unafraid of the Queen's hounds. "Why don't you venerab