sie

of the Richmond estate and was imme

an opulent, purple robe woven with intricate dragon-scale patterns, a blatant display o

o her right. They looked like the perfect, golden couple. I, the new "si

to the center of the room, and of

he start, viewing me as nothing but a Dragonless orphan. The fact that I had managed to c

nd shifted my gaze

rning with resentment and a si

ningly sweet smile. "Sister Cassie, did you sleep well last night? The

the word "alone," letting the

ionally low, and right on the pale skin of her n

ical intimacy with Kile in my face, to prove how

e reached out, pulled Journey back down into his lap, and wrapped his arms ar

ormance wa

ed smile. She was thoroughly enjoying watching h

love I had wasted on Kile, and disgust for the sheer

didn't scream. I didn't cry. I didn't give them the

oked like weakness. It

trict elder lecturing a child. "Cassie, since you are now my brother's widow, you

in love. Our union is blessed by the First Dragon. Unlike some people, who have to

o be a poisoned dagger

ding along the walls. Some looked at me wi

's chest, unable to hide the triumph

nward, my nails bitin

sie, I told my

ment that would wipe those smug s

e, painful-looking smile onto my lip

on the words "

ched. He clearly

hat he let it slide. He leaned back, looking thoroughl

ely, looking bored. "Enough. If there

ourney, and the smug look they look

ntly endure this humiliation today, I will ne

Kile's arm, he was about

eavy nor urgent. But th

ur weight around in front of his legal wido

ce evident. Journey's laugh died in

aced them. Eyes swept

he's gone, you can't seem to stay away. What, you think everything he left behind is up for grabs? You think I'm just s

ve and whispered, "Kile, what

pped forward, and her fa

d looked up at h

closer to them. The voice is no

, and the real owner of this manor. His name is still hanging on this door. He

down even more, so light that the three o

et's make it