Alistair gives a bland smile. “I trust you may understand that King Peter has been distraught over the welfare of his children. He cares for them deeply. All he asks is that you allow his son, Prince Jacob, to return home where he belongs.”“No way,” Rainier counters. “We’re not letting him go so yo
Emory gives me a knowing look, smug in her righteousness. I have to resist the urge to kiss that look off her face. I will have to do that later. I won’t kiss her in front of my mother–not yet anyway.“Have you eaten, Kane?” my mother asks. “Darling, you must eat. You’re getting far too thin these d
EmoryI try to sit still as Dr. Joe Martin looks over my vitals. Kane is busy dealing with the diplomat from Scarlett Thunder to be with me for the check-up. He feels terrible about it, but I told him it isn’t a big deal. I know he’s stressed enough dealing with this stalemate with King Peter, and I
“Did my mom have a difficult pregnancy with me?”That makes me pause. Lola rarely asks about her mother. It is a touchy subject due to how other people, including our very own family, treated her differently because of who her mother was. I never really tried to ask about the scullery maid that had
“Not yet. He’s been in meetings all day.”“No doubt dealing with that obvious mole Peter has sent to bother us.”Seeing Lord Alistair scurrying about the castle is a common occurrence. More than once, he has tried to go into areas he is not allowed in only to be deterred by a guard or servant. He ha
KaneGuilt burns in my chest. I have no desire to give in to King Peter’s demands, especially if it endangered my family. Despite all that has happened between us, Lex is my brother. I should not give him up.“I don’t want to send you as a hostage,” I tell my brother. “I’m going to refuse King Peter
“The worst part is not all of it was bad.” Coit’s voice is wistful. “When we were little kids, he’d play with us and take us camping.”“I remember.”I close my eyes, and memories of Bernard taking us camping and teaching us about the stars at night make me want to weep and throw something. Monsters
“Don’t let them break you,” she murmurs into my coat. “You are, and have always been, stronger than you know.”We say our farewells, and she retreats to the rose garden where she has always found solace.Emory is sleeping so she hasn’t been informed. I asked specifically for her to learn once I’ve l