office. It was in the tallest tower and had a panoramic view of the grounds, a

ld back and forced her hand to open the door. It was one

ecially if whoever owned the matching controlling stone didn’t really mean or care about

Count Thorn said, not looking u

onths ago, and the pull to obey that specific order was getting weaker. Thankfully, he didn’t no

noring his question and cl

all rebellious pleasures Princess Lila allowed herself, and she stuck to calling him Count Thorn. In retaliation, Ara thought he was adamant about it w

a heart of ice co

e keeps it in his office, which is above the ballroom in his estate. It’s a map of the sewers beneath the

for Princess Lila. It was always Ara who had to attend events with Count Thorn. He said he wanted her c

A Hova’s Fae was a reflection of their master, and Count Thorn clearly enjoyed parading her around. She got the feeling everyone had an inkling sh

f being a competition. Many of the Hova refused to drink blood from a fae that they didn’t own, so they brought along a posse of collared faes.

he asked, making him pry his ey

w s

ff and guards have see

no wit

izes me, they’ll easil

d paused bef

sometimes,” he said,

was seen. This was one of those three-pronged missions he was al

alth and connections, was still vu

could do to stop Count Thorn from ta

had ordered that map to be stolen. Which in turn, would lead to some petty f

head of yours puttin

surprised because h

ions,” he said. “I’ve always wished the collar would let me know

is power over her mind as well. She knew it wasn’t true. She could be as expressionless as a mountain if she had t

only fizzle out when one of her man

ep her voice steady. Maybe a dagger

ea tonight before making your move. But if he moves that map… My wh

that

t’s on its way to fight some rebel encampments, and I’d like you to do some listening while t

ded towards the door, almo

o come. This blood’s gone cold,” he sa

, un

. Almost. She almost made it out without

of his commands. Now he simply stated what he wanted her to do, which meant she could openly interpret the way she had to carry out her tasks.

atest food source, to go to him. Th

she headed to her secret room. That was where, almost seven years

. If she hadn’t split the guard’s nose after he made a pass at Princess Lila. If Count

of the past and all the would have