The boundaries a fight for freedom.

-

t person turns out to be the king-and your best friend's brother. I knew it was wrong to walk into his room

d, his voice firm and

I didn't want him to know who I really was. I knew that would be impos

to me if I don't an

ld, uncomfor

tone carried a threat. I felt it in my

handsome man from my dreams... but he doesn't act lik

n my arm tightened.

-you're hu

if you want to be f

I didn't want to hurt him, but he was hurting me. So, while he was off gua

o and doubled over in pain

-

Erica's

ng on a wooden table. The door creaked open, and

ht, his face now visible to t

ent fo

to be found-and her foolish guardians have no idea where she is. The alliance is

box across

t's

en

wide-bladed sword, enchanted and engraved with golden carvi

Blades of B

this

wi

oing busine

rel replied, carrying the

a large man steppe

leave this realm ali

my l

-

Azreal'

sn't going to be on good terms with the king after what happened.

to a tall man, comple

y," I said, abou

r seen your face

ot from here. I came

ll be here

ay

l, m

nterrupt

didn't see you earlier.

ster," the armore

in. You've done well protecting my brother. I s

nothing

oin us for

t mind,

ve your helme

was stunning-second only to the king himself. I was drawn in by his wine-color

y go,"

ent bow, T

ve asked, off

I replied,

-

hile Eve took her place nearby. Miss Grump arrived with the kitchen staff, each carrying trays of

attendant

ome King

en Azreal himself entered, with Thomas following. As he walked toward his seat, I k

aze sweeping a

my invitation," he said, then his e

uttered. Then louder: "Your face is n

mouth, but he

aking to you.

d to me. My th

" I said

name

g," he snapped. "Didn't they teach

re-I could tell. But I wasn'

king. Please ac

doned-for no

ca. I'm a frien

h. I don't ca

looked all too pleased. I lost my appetite.

ached and sa

t's me

to see you,

e, Miss Erica," he s

-

Erica's

yes still fixed on the box. A sudden knock startl

led for me?" cam

Come

ed, hands be

eave tomorrow. Make

dward replied, t

war

, Ma

the girl from

is missing. Her uncle is

ing forward to our future

lings for her?" Edward a

ll over his face. Edward b

orry,

cted. If I can control her, I can use her to destroy all kingdoms. I will be the most powerful d

iled

And I know exactl

-

Azreal'

to leave. Now that the king knew I was livin

meal?" Miss Grump ask

fine. Th

are you

ing for

know if you

wil

e when Eve called out, "

se. What

y brother spoke to you at th

I can't stay here any

ar voice

feel what, exact

appeared ou

lease excuse me," I

permit you

fr

ister's guest doesn't give

my king. May

t, I thank you-and offer a bit of help. But if you're staying here, you'

Azreal vanished

le expression. I had a terrible feeling th

-