A Bride for Two Princes

y started with a brilliance that seemed almost scripted. The palace grounds were bathed in golden

birds, adjusting the intricate lace of her gown, styling her hair into a sty

sed the majestic figure looking back at her as she observed her reflection in the large mirror. The em

er. "Keep in mind your training. Be fearless, talk carefully, an

her throat too ti

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d tapestries illustrating the kingdom's past, while the air was infused with the scent of rare blossoms. A subtle buzz of expectan

the far end of the hall. His angular features were as calm as before, yet there was

e room became silent as the doors opened and she entered on the arm of a royal guard. All e

ightly, and he extended his hand toward her. Zoe

oe tried to concentrate on the words, but a flurry of contradictory feelings was racing through her head. Bound by responsibility

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A group of armed men, their faces hidden behind masks and their weapons drawn, rushed in as the hal

ly-Rowan. With a sword shining in his palm, he walked into the

commanding attention even amidst the panic.

s he moved defensively in front of Zoe, Alaric'

ic's voice was cold and cutting. "Leave now, Row

ame? You, Alaric, and the king are the ones who are ashame

ures warped by opposing emotions-Alaric's simmerin

the royal guards surged forwa

bles stumbled over their ornate clothing as they hurried from their seats. The once-beautiful

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around her, thus she was motionless. She did not awaken from

t but surprisingly gentle. "Com

en them, his sword drawn.

e one putting her in danger. Alaric, you are more

dn't deny the accusation. Instead, he lunged at R

th came in jagged rushes. Their movements were quick and vic

her panic. One of Rowan's men had reached her,

sion as the fighting grew more intense around her. She followed, her le

rong blow that knocked his brother to the ground. He ran after Zoe

king her hand and leading

r questions or protests. Rowan lifted her o

their treasure. Shouting reverberated in her ears as flame

saster, leaving her life more u

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around her as he led the horse, the thudding of hoofs, and the coo

off first and assisted Zoe in getting down. Her legs we

Rowan asked, his

y felt bruised and her mind was re

hand through his disheve

to the surface. "You stormed the palace, ruined the

The king and Alaric are more concerned with the prophecy th

e retorted. "Are you no

I need you. But not in the way Alaric does. I want to protect this kingd

owan, or anybody else. She was aware that her life was no longer entirely hers and that the cho

ecame painfully obvious to Zoe that the dangers ahead were