PHIN

lize the ceremonial details with the royal staff. I chose my rou

med, had a cruel

against a marble pillar as if he'd been waiting for hours. He looked tire

d my path. The servants in the hall

that waste of space?" he ask

you to watch your tongue. The 'waste of space' you refer to is your own un

led at his slightest frown was gone. In her place was thi

t of rebellion is impressing me? I'll admit, you have my attention. Now, call off t

It was a soft sound, but it was filled with an undisguised, pitying sort

voice sweet, the words themselves pure venom. "I love Lord Gideon. It has only ever b

axy white. My words, I knew, were a dagger forged of Dragonslayer Gold, aimed

g. He lunged forward and seized my wrist, his

hips of ice. "Your Highness, a man and a woman should not have such contact. Especially whe

gged gasps, his golden eyes burn

cut through the tensio

pression gentle but firm. As a member of the royal family

eased my wrist, his ja

my skin and gave Julian a smal

e King is looking for you in the study. Don't

k that promised murder, before spin

back, I felt nothing. Th

ke that," Julian said with a sigh,

ndest cut," I replied softly. "I do

Office of Rites. During my meeting with the ch

eremony by a high-ranking male member of the royal fam

gently. "May I request

startled. "Who did you

ian would escort me. As Lord Gideon's fri

liation. I had not only rejected Damien, but I had also stripped him of the las

so overcome with rage that he coughed up blood and col