Merce

ss windows of my private study, casting vibrant

d dragon sinew and a sharp bone needle. Before me l

e young king on the throne, he was surrounded by Regent Kurt's vipers

ale and stabbed into my index finger. A drop

t, then froze before touching me, his storm-gray eyes locked

finger to my lips. "

tween his scarred fingers. I deliberately shifted my ha

dragon blood boiled, every scale beneath my

ate res

mor plate clattering across the table. His dragon core vib

Your Highness

t. I could not force him out of hiding al

and retreated into the s

ace, bringing a cold, howl

ion. Its violent toll rolled through the palace,

Highness! Thirty Bradley riders are attacking

gathered at his esta

from the outer gallery. Uneven footsteps foll

h the bandages beneath his torn coat, but fury kept him upright. Behind him, a concealed panel in the wall s

he forgotten routes beneath my own walls. Jaheem had sent his men against the

rivate seal and restore our contract before dawn! Call off yo

mmanded, lowering his spear. "The First

with a savage sw

s throat, Kael stepped out of the shadows in his familiar dark tunic an

turned his body to shield my door. The blade missed his throat, but its edge ca

struck

er medallion slipped free from beneath his torn collar

for one fat

ier. The windows frosted over in an instant, and Jaheem slammed face-first aga

oor, easing it ope

de of Kael's otherwise striking face. The silver dragon crest swung agai

shadow guard

len Hart-the undefeate