her voice coming out clear and firm. Which was th

ened so

t second, there was a hand in her line of sight w

nd the claws woul

fought to stay still, swea

e owner had some unique markin

on the ground, trying to i

It was cool, but carried power that ca

public was aware of

was currently in the Northern capital, pr

at the Alpha King was currently seated at a bar, looking s

and the hand removed from her face

he King continued, "are you go

ana replied, her knees shaking; maintaini

fist, she added, "Forgive me

ed, "Another interest

ds, he ordered, "

, Elana let go of her skirt and ra

ring her gaze to the table. The pressure arou

her, studying her every move. His long black hair, whic

es, but his featur

King C

eleased, his presence was a force that c

trembled under her skin as though

re you? How did you

side him. Even though she had courage, she stil

y. And me finding out you're here is becau

essure in the room spiked up as a hin

to remain upright. She had to maintain her

ve scanned me. In a while, you

glance his way before cont

think this is fun? Int

houldn't get carried away by the que

er movement, but she pressed on, "Instead, you

ian's lips as he looked at her

with the king? Is that why yo

e think of that

oice was laced

al call. After all, having a string of wom

beer, he slammed his

a

at the sound, her

u have five seconds to prove you're worthy

his wouldn't be the best time to defy the king. But,

t in her. At least, until

nding as she said, "I can

ack at her. Instantly, her gaze went to the table, he

ad released his

as her hands and legs shook visibly.

nst her throat. The royal guard had returned; the look in

bout the princess' condition." King Ca

I mentioned earlier. I d

ilted his head. After a second, his gaze was back

r lips twitched, but the blade again

hone brightly, "W

question, she answered, "A ch

eyes filled with su

en boldness and arrogance," he stated, his voice cold. "

, the sword was remo

and touched her neck. Looking down, she

an open door, his jaw clenche

lana before continuing, "Is that..." he furrow

ed at her, "Just because you found me doesn't me

*-

fold was lifted, and Elana blinked as

of about four or five years. Her long black hair

d, cutting off her thoughts, "If

a note of finality and danger as he added, "If

she stretched out her hand. "I wil

e bar, but was removed when she was transport

ana approached, "I don't know what you want to do, but n

Cassian cut in

's dang

nows what it will co

princess, before turning to look at the king, "

ed back at her as though

ered as she brought out a s

and drew a circle around the princess' forehead.

ent the last few weeks perfecti

e pressed them against the Princess'

out of her fingers as a bri

disappeared and her color returned. Her breathing came out

Mrrya, exclaimed as she studied the

her eyes widened

a small smile as she stood to h

of surprise in them and something

n useful, you

he turned and walke

suspicion as she calmly followed the k

looked like an office. Cassian sig

the bar?" Elana asked

iting for her, fille

he comm

er. This wasn't the time to disobey. S

e watched her. His stare only mad

b, right? She wondered.

started, "No beating around the

e so direct. Blinking away the shock, she raised her

he started, her hand

understanding. "I see, so you want a guaran

retty bold of you," he continue

s. I do want a spot." Elana

ords, confusion lining his

my si