A'S

t u

my leg dragged

r a moment, I couldn't remember where I was. Then the smell

dung

ca

le

and against m

ou want?"

g outside my cell

eet. You're ne

red a

hy

lish question?" He unlocked the door

es trembled, and I grabbed

ee

na's filthy clothes until my fingers wrinkled. My cheeks still hurt fro

ed something

der

my head down as we climbed the stairs. The sounds

er floor, he shoved me

And don't ca

he women stan

rons. Each carried a tray or a basket, and all

my bruised face befor

ing on?" I

. "The guests are arriving soon

mach t

gh

Lucas would make

otten how much I

mo

ce cut thro

one standi

urn

ttered beneath the lights. Tiny crystals covered the bodice, and a silver

the Luna she had sto

s lande

spread acro

d. You'r

d not

ting the sides of her gown so

I want everyone working. No one shou

slid over

d M

sed m

serable. Today is supp

iled s

e, at

lowered th

ched m

leaned

re the one serving drinks while

red a

laug

wer that. I think it

ked away, her heels cli

ched

s curled

ay, S

wled softly

y, she

had to get

surrounded by people who barely n

llowed passed in

ranged flowers around the ceremonial platform, while o

own and did what

had accepted m

I was

rand hall. Guards lined the walls, but most of their atte

between the kitchen, the h

back e

ight into t

I could reac

began t

could

atching Lucas and Selena. The guards would be busy protec

d slip

to the

til I crossed t

after that. I had no money, no

uld be better t

olded napkins and carrie

lena standing near the ceremonial platform. Lucas had

nd whispered som

gigg

smi

ps fal

used to b

e. He had taken my hands beneath the moonlight and told me he want

was the only w

believ

o had betrayed me, looking as th

myself to

m

econd mourning a man who h

to the table and turne

e maids s

Maya,

odd

he serving table. The gu

ded me

it and wa

n doors, a cool bre

n lay bey

clo

the freedom waitin

escape

strong enough,

elena would regret every slap, every insult, and

taking my place didn

ey had given me

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