LOGINThere was silence and Vinncero stared at her, completely lost and shocked and afraid of her at the same time.She couldn't look him in the eyes."I knew who you were before you knew me."His heartbeat slowed."Kaito was searching for something." She swallowed and pushed a hand into her blonde curls. "I thought if I stayed close to you.... I could survive."A tear slipped down her cheek and it ended there."I told myself I was only protecting myself."Her fingers tightened around the damp cloth."But somewhere..."She laughed bitterly and looked into his eyes blankly."....I stopped pretending. I realized.... we were mates and sex with you was rejuvenation."Vinncero said nothing. She finally forced herself to meet his eyes and said the words."I did use you, though. And that is the truth I feared to let you know most. Well.... for now, you need your strength to hear and bear more of what I have done. You should heal first."Then she sent him a stiff smile that turned her big green or
Far beyond the northern hills, where beautiful rivers ran through crystal caverns, gemstones lit the ceilings like stars and entire cities were carved inside mountains of emerald and ruby, lay the twin kingdoms of Pitshu and Markin.Unlike the kingdoms of men, the gnomes took very little seriously. Except money, jokes and inventions. And also, their courts had very little dignity.King Brammick sat upon a throne that was far too large for him and far too uncomfortable.He was attempting, for perhaps the fourteenth time that night, to wear a magnificent ceremonial hat.It refused to stay put. This hat was the most magnificent ceremonial cap ever created.It was taller than he was and decorated with white feathers. It had golden gears and tiny spinning propellers. Three diamonds. Six rubies. And one unnecessary spoon.His younger brother, Prince Brogg, walked behind him, looked at the cap, shook his head and murmured."Ridiculous...."Then.... SMACK!He slapped the enormous cap clean of
His vision exploded white. Another blow landed across his ribs. Then another.Boots hammered into his side as he hit the floor. Still, he struggled to rise.A spear butt slammed into his shoulder and someone drove a knee into his spine.The beating became relentless. The guards struck until he could no longer lift his arms.Blood spread across the stone beneath him.Tara was screaming."No! No! Stop! Stop it, you bastards. Stop it!"No one listened.Alpha Kaito slowly pushed himself upright, one hand pressed against his bleeding side. He looked down at the broken young man lying before him.Then— to everyone's disbelief— he smiled a genuine smile.He coughed blood onto the floor."Excellent."The guards hesitated. Alpha Kaito's eyes which had turned dark and agonized never left Vinncero."Leave him alive." He laughed weakly. "I finally know truly...."He wiped the blood from his lips."....he's exactly the one I was looking for. Bind him in silver and wolfsbane."********The castle
"Take off your clothes." Kaito repeated. Vinncero still stood motionless and Tara looked back at him. Neither spoke.The room seemed to disappear until only the two of them remained. Kaito leaned lazily against the table, watching with open amusement."Go on," he said. "You're both pretending not to want what you've been denied. Sadly, you Vinncero, are an omega and cannot scent your own mate. What a shame."Vinncero ignored him. Slowly, he reached toward Tara and his fingertips brushed lightly against her shoulder.She did not pull away. Instead, she stepped closer. And then closed enough that their foreheads almost touched.When their eyes met, the room vanished.A rush of memories that were not his flashed through Vinncero's mind.He saw cold cells, locked doors, a little blonde girl crying herself to sleep. A smiling man —Alpha Kaito — telling her she belonged to him.Again. Again. And again.Tara's voice echoed inside his thoughts."He is not my father."Vinncero's heartbeat sto
The words stung but she shut her eyes tightly."Forgive me. My lord...." she began more quietly, "....please. It was not deliberate...."He opened the door. Panic flickered across her face."And Velveta? What has happened to Maid Velveta?" she asked suddenly.His hand stopped. The silence stretched long enough to frighten her. Then, without turning around, he answered."When we return from Elyria...." His voice was calm. Way too calm. "....you will see her punishment."Aeryl's blood ran cold."What...?" Her eyes widened. "No.... she didn't do anything! I told her to wait!"Aeryl took a step toward him. "That's my fault!"She looked at him desperately."Don't punish her! Please. I don't know how. But.... she didn't know. Please...."His expression hardened. "You continue to believe that your decisions belong only to you. And that your pleas have a say in this house."He finally turned to look at her with a sinister glare on his face. "They clearly do not and I will ensure you witness t
"You heard the news for days, sweetheart." "I did, my lord." "And?" Silence. "You have no opinion?" "The world has many opinions already, my lord." He laughed. "True." His gaze remained on her. Then his smile widened. "Isn't it exciting?" She finally looked at him. "Which part, my lord?" "My son." "He will marry you with your help and that of my master of whispers. Then he will marry the princess for you." The spy's face remained unreadable under the shadows. "The famous Princess Aeryl Frankfurt." His eyes gleamed. "The girl who has kingdoms shouting and kings marching toward the House of Elyria." He laughed again. "Imagine it." There was silence. "You'll get to see her in person when I take you to Elyria." Still no response. "You aren't excited?" The woman slowly blinked. "I have never based my happiness on royalty but your bid, my good lord." He looked amused. "No? Not even a little curiosity for what will ensue at the council?" A pause. Then, she whispered: "A lit
The messenger was still waiting patiently outside Lilah's chambers. Aeryl paused and looked at her nervously.She then shut the door back quietly. "I really do need to meet Aramisius soon, I realize.""You do." Lilah agreed.Aeryl blinked."But first…" Lilah said, lowering her voice, "we must inve
Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside Aramisius’ study was far colder.Several letters still littered the massive table between the men. Torn seals. Royal insignias. Threats disguised as diplomacy.Aramisius stood near the fire with one hand braced against the mantle, his expression unreadable.Across f
People turned.“MY LORD AND KING!”The laughter became hysterical. Others joined him suddenly. Very suddenly.“OUR KING!”“OUR LORD!”Several slaves dropped to their knees laughing and crying at once.Vinncero’s stomach dropped. The crowd changed violently.... Then panic erupted.People began fight
Aeryl stared at the attendant like the words had been said in another language entirely. “The Concord wishes to.… review us?” The attendant lowered her eyes respectfully. “Yes, my lady.” Aeryl’s chest tightened. Review. Like she was not a person. Like her marriage was some dangerous matter







