a's

e moment I stepped in, my eyes widened. The

than the last, and servants moved silently in the back

sed in a thin robe that clung to his frame. His

ndsome, almost unreal. For a moment, I forgot every

s wander around the chamber, as if

luxury, have you?" he as

though not for the reason h

nswer had pleased him. Then his v

Every bite felt heavy under his watchful stare. I wanted to reach for the dag

ng, he rose and exte

is inner chamber, the air thick with tension. My f

they slid across my skin. He smoothed my ha

ething else I refused to name. His body pressed to m

the dagger

h

ock rattle

oring it, his mouth

s time. I swallowed hard and whisp

h annoyance, but final

ly. "My king, Rowan is storming th

to the guard, I slid the dagger from my dress. My h

it. If I cut deep enough, the bond

r slamm

oice thundered th

Before I could drive it in, Rowan was there-faster than my eyes cou

doing?!" he roared, his

ward us, shock flashi

, glaring at me like I'd committed a sin a

er, though not as explosive as Rowan'

voice was harsh, his tone lethal. "You will never try something

mbled, terror

d. "And the only thing that can

y, stepping closer. "Don'

ou kept her locked up like a prisoner, and then yo

t of it? Did you think you co

shed, fury spark

entered, her elegant gown flowing behind her. The m

here?" she demand

i nor Rowa

down her cheeks-tears I instantly knew wer

e with her. You promised me she wa

way! You always spend your evenings

jaw clenched, r

" His voice shook the walls. "Mira is o

her eyes wid

e bursting into sobs. "No,

orridor, but not before throwing one last look

hilled me t

If this was how they treated their own wife-mocking her tears, ignoring her cries

rder the servants to remove every dagger from your quarters

g across his face. "Leave. I

I lowered my eyes and obeyed, my

erena

ber, fury and fear twi

burned on my to

told me a breeder was comi

Mira was their mate-their mate-was

ieved myself chosen. I h

fe, tolerated, perhaps even liked, but never b

ayed, my place as queen would

Lily slipped in. At once, Lily noti

spered, concerned.

that girl. Mira. She's a threat. If I do

ross Lily's lips. "Then perhaps

r, a spark of hope lig

ispered as Lily