Ella The aids go pale as they see me hurry back to the door, their eyes going wide. This is not protocol – “Ella!” Cora gasps, her eyes moving quickly over me as she bounces Rafe in her arms, trying to calm him. “What are you doing!?” “He wants me, Cora,” I breathe, hurrying to her side and re
Ella I can’t help it, not at all. I burst immediately into tears. The crowd, when they realize what’s going on – and when I think they see my over-emotional reaction to it – begin to again shout their approval. Sinclair laughs when he sees me crying, shaking his head at me as he returns to my si
I admit that I’m nearly overwhelmed by all of the guests and the attention. Sinclair and I spend hours turning to each new person who comes forward to greet us, to congratulate us, to shake our hands and tell us about their excitement for the future of the nation. I do my best to give each of them m
Ella My face falls into stern, cold lines as I see my uncle step forward. He was invited to this party, of course, as part of the delegation – but honestly, after our stern message to the Atalaxians about how he was not welcome, I’m surprised that he was willing to attend. I look up at Sinclair
“You have cursed me –“ “I didn’t need to,” I interrupt, my voice bored. “Now go away. We have celebrations to attend. I’ll tell Sarah and Jessica you said hello.” Xander stiffens at this, his eyes flashing as he looks between Sinclair and I. “My property –“ he growls. “You will return them immed
“Please,” the shadow says, his voice awkward and apologetic. I’m still rigid with fear when Conner storms out onto the balcony, his hand smacking the shadow-person in the chest, slamming him against the wall. “Who the hell are you!?” Conner demands. “Please!” the shadow says again, “I’m so sorry
A smile comes to Calvin’s face. “Your son is a very handsome boy,” he says, smiling at Rafe. “I’m sure he’ll grow to be a strong King, like his father.” “Thank you,” I say quietly, looking proudly down at Rafe myself. Then I look up at Calvin, curious. He’s young, I think my own age – certainly yo
Ella “Ella,” Clavin says, his voice thick with emotion. His hand continues its path, reaching for me, his fingers brushing the velvet sleeve of my gown before I can pull away. “What,” I whisper, taking a few steps back, wanting space between us. “What was that?” “I don’t –“ Before he can fin