r thoughts consumed by questions. Why had Edward bet

ed, his eyes fixed warily on Edwar

Bella, I had no choice. Father's debts had spiraled out of control. The Merid

narrowed. "

d us to surrender our claim to the throne. The

n darkened. "And y

r family. I made a deal with the Meridans, agreeing

ayed their family, manipulated her into believing he was dead. The

you now?" Kieran as

make it right. I'll do whatever it takes to help you

g any sign of deception. But all she saw

quest for vengeance had just become even more complicated. Could s