The Heir and His False Queen

belief. It was a painful, clear picture of their loyalty. Not to him, never to him. Hi

next morning. "S

hing okay?" Her voice

ng," he said. "I need t

e. When a

e of peace. She was st

everything. The Vanguard program, the

said, the words feeling more rig

ched her lips. "Ethan... I've always cared about you. Y

her gaze. "I see things cle

her hand covering his. "Then y

rbilt made a brief, formal announcement. Ethan, with his father's backing, sent formal notices to the Vanguard

abused our trust, Ethan. They abused y

But one afternoon, Liam was there again, waiting. This ti

eed to talk.

hing to talk

s voice low. "About Ava. About what s

r. "Stay away from me, Lia

ocking his way. "You don't under

ut of my way." It wasn't a viole

amatically, his eyes wide with feigned fear. "Don't hurt me!"

wering, Ethan st

ice was sharp. "W

side. "Are you okay,

Ethan. "You w

d me. He said I had to leave, or else." He pointed a trembling

ook at Ethan for an explanation. She simply helped

said softly. "Let's g

tion in his stomach. They twisted everyt

fumbled some papers, looking clumsy. She'd smiled, a small, almost imperceptible smile, and helped him gather th