n Jord

ging in the air. It was a mad gamble. But I was a gambler

in my mind into some semblance of order. "I don't even kno

s golden eyes were calm, unreadable. "Albio

e. It explained the raw, untamed power that clung to him, so

e clutches of House Jordan and the lingering stain of the

?" I asked. That was

We will be husband and wife in name, to satisfy the world. In pr

alm to my raw nerves. My greatest fe

e, I need your word. This marriage

ain. "You will have the freedom you desire. The con

hed in my mind, then Harper's betrayal, Hettie's triumphan

e unknown, but staying

sed my hand and placed it

of heat flowed from his skin to mine, chasing away some of the bone-deep

t, Lord

ive grip. The corner of his mouth lifted in tha

he Dragon God Altar. We weren't heading for the main stage, but to a sm

of shock as he saw me-the abandoned

produced a heavy, dark metal signet ring, pressing it onto the elder'

e, undiluted awe. He scrambled to his feet, bowing his head so

ignet that it could command such reverence

under the silent watch of the Dragon God statue. There were no guests, no

on Ballard, a wave of dizziness washed over me. Hours

bion handed me a copy of the parchme

nt, my new reality feel

r. Most of the nobles had disperse

on said suddenly, his voice low. "I sugges

rfectly. "I agree

ct director for the Sterling Guild's new development

know that?" My appointment was official only yesterda

ow one of the board members." The words came too smoothly-

cover for an even prettier truth. But I didn't press. Fi

felt so close, yet so far. Close enough

s. Mystery stacked upon mystery, and I didn't