inn

leaped backward, putting distance between myself

ales even more intricate than those on Gideon's garments, a clear mark o

. "Aurelia. Who gave you per

trailing after Gideon. She ignored him, her venomous ga

I couldn't let

woman barging in with armed guards. This was not ju

direct the

rembling finger at Aurelia and let out the sh

sas

e chamber. Gideon and Aureli

led, my voice choked with false tears. "This woman is trying to kill me! She brok

"new bride," making i

he Dragon Guards flooded the room in seconds, swords

-mighty princess, was now the villain attemp

ss Aurelia!" she sputtered, her face whi

of princess brings soldiers into someone's bridal chamber i

e scene unfold with pure, undisguised amu

ushed forward, kneeling in supplication. "The prince

All the feigned fear vanished from my face, re

down. "It looks more like you were hopin

s sent a deep, ugly f

ry peasant! How dare you

y. Country folk speak plainly. We do

since she is a 'princess', not an assassin, what should be done? Breaking

cing him

etween us. Finally, i

voice flat, devoid of wa

one. He had chosen, at leas

with disbelief and hurt. Then her gaze

in return, mouthing

lo

ream of rage, she

face Gideon, who was watching

he real test of the night was only beginning. His w