ranger simply because it is convenient." Evander Celestian stood before his

's throne. Your personal wishes cannot always come before your ki

t a humorless laugh. "You speak as though you are asking me to atte

lied firmly. "And what happens when the woman I marry discovers h

ith respect. You will honor her as your wife should be honor

at, studied laws governing realms, and learned to control powers that would overwh

Earth. Her name is Aurelia Veyra. She has been hidden for protection," Hi

n our alliance and secure peace between Heaven and Earth. It is nece

ty said, raising his tone. Finally, Evander bowed stiffly. "As y

with dignity. Whatever you feel privately, you will not humiliate your bride.

hout consent, that his heart had been traded for treaties. He was still walking thr

ed toward him, silver ornaments catching light, cheeks flushed. The daughte

ere for you. Is it true? Has your wedding been arranged? E

has finally been arranged. I wanted to be first to congratu

news. I hope you know that I have always wanted what is best fo

"Then you should respect my space, Elara. I have t

Must you always be so cold to me? Why do you push me aw

there," he said, words sharp but honest. She watched him walk away,

re suitable than she was. And she would not allow an unfamiliar mortal

g at guards stationed outside, heart heavy with dread. Marriage! The word had fol

to spend her life trapped inside another set of rules, another

ithout permission. That night, she packed a small bag, fastened

continued into unfamiliar territory where trees grew wild. She had heard warnings ab

Voices sounded behind her. "There! She went that way! Find her! T

eeves. Ground grew uneven, and she nearly fell as she approache

ing that looked strangely out of place. He turned at her hurri

tried to answer, but voices behind grew louder. "Please, I need som

nd do not make a sound," he instructed. She hurried into

pass this way? A runaway princess? Answer us!" The man's expression

aside. We will search the cave now," the leader growled. "And? Do you have permissi

ce." The stranger's hand settled on the hilt of his sword. "I

drew his blade slowly, its edge gleaming faintly. "Would you like to find

who this man was. She only knew he had placed himself between her and danger without asking anything,