ged along with them. All screams and protests fell on deaf ears as the soldie

very corner she looked; it looked like they had descended into the depths of hell itself. Deep, dark billows of smoke rose up to the sky, the air filled with death and destruction. Emb

elp the tears that burned her eyes; nausea twisted her insides so much that she thr

y gave her something to swallow, and knocked her out. By the time she opened her eyes, blinking away the fog

rrowed her brows slightly as she studied the environment. Most of the structures that lined the road seemed

g their handkerchiefs from the windows where they peeked out; celebratory tunes wove through the air. Elaine grimaced.

in the procession, sticking out like a sore thumb, with some people pointing hands and

rd someone say, and Elaine's fingers grew cold, her bre

e screamed for everyone to hear. "It must look like that m

appeared, contorting into rage and disgust, and a new chant rose in its plac

age began to rattle, and Elaine discovered to her horror that they had begun to throw thi

ne doubted it was effective, as attacks still reached her. By the time she arrived at the

an for extravagant display of wealth. The courtyards were bare, with tons of sentries patrolling the area and hundreds of squires in training, adding to the opp

steeds. A heart-pounding moment later, a soldier burst into the carriage and dragged her out, leading her to th

ons," he ordered, with barely concealed loat

protest, but they were already dragging

ck me up!" She screamed in desperation, and on

ked with a sneer, and Elaine shook he

ered. Elaine's heart skipped multiple be

her soul, had told tales of the kingdom, and she used to be so terrified listening t

his voice filled with pride.

he announced with a malicious glint in his eyes. "Altho

finally spoke, as they walked into the dark, musty dunge

lled with mirth. "Even better," he growled und

pulled it open and pushed her in. Elaine stumbled to the ground at the force of th

Why do these peopl

d of man was

s they passed, greeting them with an almost invisible nod. Walking side by side, they looked so alike it would have been hard to t

his gait, borne from the constant pressure he had placed on his left leg. He was always taut, tense, his senses on high alert as he needed to ke

The frown lines carved into his chin made him appear several years older, his eyes constantly narrowed in distrust and suspicion. His eyes only ever warmed whenever he looked at his brother,

ve issues that concerned their kingdom, the soldiers guarding the doors bowed deeply, pulling the gra

r immediately turned to Marion, assessing him. "How are you?" He as

pronounced, he settled on the chair with a groan, stretching out the hurting leg and

notice how much pain his brother was in, but Marion had learned to

ed her." Ryker gritted his teeth in rage. That was the main reason they had gone for this attack: to kill every single one of King Thraine's family and followers an

at Marion and saw he was already palming his face, his jaw clenched tight, and a thin sheen of sweat coa

o with her? Why didn't we jus

make her pay. She'll pay for her father's sins, one way or another. D

uite form a smile. "I agree with y