“You pretend to be larger than we are.” I gesture at the maps and papers showing the extent of our lands, our forces. “We are strong, we are powerful, and we are small. You’re puffing yourself up like a frightened cat to try to intimidate the largest kingdom in the world.”“Frightened?” Father scoff
Candace“There’s got to be something we’re missing.” Heavy bags hang under Kieran’s eyes as our stay in Kar Castle stretches into the second week.“I don’t have a clue what,” Taner replies, equally tired. “He hasn’t even replied to any of our attempts conclusively enought to figure out what’s pissin
“I actually have plans.” I glance at the table. The dream is still keeping me up, so I’ve been napping during the day more often, and I promised to meet Hollis in that room off the portrait gallery when I wake up.Ingrid’s grin immediately falls. “With him?”She won’t say Hollis’s name unless forced
Hollis“Almost.” Standing in the training room in the castle, I adjust the shoulders of a teenage boy, training to become part of the military someday. “But you want them in line with your hips for the maximum draw distance. Try it now.”He relaxes his hold on the bowstring then pulls it back again.
Someone takes her hand. Goddess above, is that Nessa fucking Winters? I thought she died in a Dun’s Crossing prison—but even as I think that, I half remember Candace mentioning she escaped.I lower the telescope and look at Father. He stares out over the approaching army, his face lined and bleak. T
*Blanca* I trail my fingertips along the rough stone wall of the dungeon as I walk briskly along, keeping my shoulders hunched and my head down. In my other hand, I carry a bucket of water and a ladle. Down here, I should be safe from the ridicule I face on the upper levels of the castle, but occas
*Kieran* My cheek stings where that blasted bird pecked away my skin, but at least it didn’t get my eyeball. Because of my wolf shifter abilities, I feel it healing already. When I draw my hand away again, there’s no fresh blood. I hear my twin sisters’ footsteps lightly following me up the stairs
*Blanca* I almost made it to my room. When Nessa Winters steps out of the shadows near the last turn that takes me to my chambers, I leap backward, not out of fear but out of surprise. I hate it when she does that. Recently, she’s been doing it more and more. I’m not sure why. Maybe the fact that
Someone takes her hand. Goddess above, is that Nessa fucking Winters? I thought she died in a Dun’s Crossing prison—but even as I think that, I half remember Candace mentioning she escaped.I lower the telescope and look at Father. He stares out over the approaching army, his face lined and bleak. T
Hollis“Almost.” Standing in the training room in the castle, I adjust the shoulders of a teenage boy, training to become part of the military someday. “But you want them in line with your hips for the maximum draw distance. Try it now.”He relaxes his hold on the bowstring then pulls it back again.
“I actually have plans.” I glance at the table. The dream is still keeping me up, so I’ve been napping during the day more often, and I promised to meet Hollis in that room off the portrait gallery when I wake up.Ingrid’s grin immediately falls. “With him?”She won’t say Hollis’s name unless forced
Candace“There’s got to be something we’re missing.” Heavy bags hang under Kieran’s eyes as our stay in Kar Castle stretches into the second week.“I don’t have a clue what,” Taner replies, equally tired. “He hasn’t even replied to any of our attempts conclusively enought to figure out what’s pissin
“You pretend to be larger than we are.” I gesture at the maps and papers showing the extent of our lands, our forces. “We are strong, we are powerful, and we are small. You’re puffing yourself up like a frightened cat to try to intimidate the largest kingdom in the world.”“Frightened?” Father scoff
HollisA few days later, I sit in Father’s tapestry-covered office for one of our weekly meetings, warming my hands over his fire.“What are you smiling about?” he snaps. “Our southwestern border has been attacked.”“By rogues.” I try to swallow my grin, but it’s impossible. It’s been impossible sin
When he brings a hand up to tease my other nipple, I remember I can actually move my arms. One hand, I thread instantly into his hair and tug. The vibrations of his grumble ripple through me. The other, I slip down his back, nails out, scratching red lines I can’t see. I need to mark him as much as
CandaceI trail after Hollis through the dark halls of the castle, my heart pounding. If Finn didn’t talk to me after the meeting, I would’ve let Hollis whisk me on whatever adventure he had planned for today. I never would’ve heard the story about his mother—and he wouldn’t have told it. Judging by
“Long story short, I pitched a fit.” I shake my head. “She finally told the painter she’d sit with me in the room, or not at all.”Candace giggles. “Don’t tell me that’s when you gained your taste for paint thinner.”“No, but I did eat a fistful of blue paint I’ve never seen come back out.” I stare