THE UNDERWORLD PRINCESS MARRIED TO THE HEAVEN'S HEIR

s!" The servant cried before an explosion shook th

head. "In the chamber, Your Majesty. The guards are fighting

ng ordered, drawing his sword. Another explosion sh

should live in fear. Yet tonight, peace was buried beneath screams. The d

for the princess. You must flee now!" The king's expression h

ing infant. The king stopped. His daughter was barely old enough to re

battle. He touched her cheek. "My lit

. You must take her away. You will take my daughter to the Kin

cause I trust you completely," he said. "Tell him s

begged. "I cannot abandon my people," he s

haps. But if I leave, my people will die believ

nt's neck. "Keep this hidden. Do not allow anyon

trembled. Keep her alive," he said fir

the world you deserved." The baby cried again. The king

sage as the king turned toward approa

d alone, sword in hand. "You could have surrendered," the usurper sai

ing spat. "I may lose my throne tonight, b

ashed against steel. The former king fought fiercely, but enemies overwh

? Tell me where she is!" he demanded. The king lifted his head,

his sword. The king thought of his daug

palace, exhausted, infant wrapped beneath her cloak. The King

" The servant bowed her head. "He stayed to fig

g. Then he took the child into his arms

. He looked down at the sleeping infant. "Then Aurel

were dangerous to reveal, and her survival could threaten the usurper's throne. Yea

and eventually the prison from which she longed to escape. E

her sword before he struck. Metal rang through the chambe

broke my wrist! Is this training or punishm

aim for your throat," Master replied coldly. "Perhaps

ed." She smiled hopefully. "One piece of bread? Please?" "

control strange power flickering beneath her skin, obeying rules that ke

w why she must hide, to understand why people who clai

doors opened. The Queen of the Earth

tely. "Mother? You rarely co

g her hands. "You are eighteen now. It is

that mean I can finally leave?

. Not as you imagine, my dear." The excitement

kingdom. You are to be married," the queen sa

could only stare. "Ma

, you must prepare. Trust us, we do this

u decide my husband without asking me? I spent

"But there are responsibilities you cannot u

r before I have even lived? Why can I not choo

rriage will keep you safe. Give him

at if I refuse? What if I say I will not

looked toward chamber doors, toward freedom, and