phin

dropped the temperature of

ocked, almost fearful deference. "Gideon?" he manage

on my carriage. His gaze was so intense it felt like a physical touch, sendin

cluse, a boogeyman whispered about in the court-a cruel, t

why was he involving

member of the royal family was publicly attempting to seize an Omega's legal dowry and h

single word in his own defense. In the complex hierarchy of the royal family, Valerius was terrified of his younger, half-bro

er glance. He turned to the B

, bowed his head.

mont and her property safely back to her family's estate. And Kael... investigate the finances

aving me. He was actively taking my side,

I could have anticipate

on. "Gideon, this is a private matter! It is between

ouched Gideon's lips. "An

eaving Valerius. "Or perhaps you'd prefer I report this entire incident-in

He knew Gideon was not

ding a small contingent of black-clad guards to my carriage. They were discip

is voice respectful. "We are

. He was watching me, his expression unreadable, those ab

our interests were aligned. Accepti

formal nod. "My tha

lchair and departing as abruptly as he had a

s melted away, c

The convoy moved forward, finally pulling away fr

rom the city gate, threw herself into my arms, sobb

w as Kensington Manor

y the interest on your debt. The

does a man like that want fr

my eyes, my mind racing. First things first.

e came from outside. "The Prince's orders

art pounding in time with the horses' frantic gallop. Ev

fretted, pulling a thick wool blanke

e outside the window. I couldn't rest. I was terrified that

he eastern sky, we arrived at Sunstone Rid

was barred, and the manor's steward, a sour-faced Beta