Chapter 77

By this time, Knocklean was a wasteland, and the castle had been abandoned a century before. Knocklean's lineage was greedy with the land they had and worked it until it no longer served anyone. The residents had fled, those that weren't killed by starvation and drought, to the neighboring countries of Celestia and Aylane. The castle stood abandoned for many years.

Kasdeyah saw her chance when Hayden ascended the throne. The young king was a cruel man, but only behind closed doors. He was a master of the double life, and Kasdeyah was certain he could keep one more secret. He had not yet discovered his true potential.

She visited him while his meek little wife was pregnant with their second child. He was seduced easily enough and quickly became her lover. She awakened a power in him and taught him how to harness that power to get what he wanted. He reveled in her attentions, pledging himself to her quickly and without hesitation.

When his youngest child was born, whom he named Grayso