feet and long-forgotten tapestries on the walls. Zara walked slowly, the faint sound of her shoes echoing

o one

and looked over her shoulder.

om-she'd seen it earlier when pretending to admire the embroidery. It had taken a f

with golden etchings at the top. Faint flowers carved

key

with a slow groan, a

amber was coated i

-poster bed sat untouched in the center, still made up with faded sheets. On one side, a writing desk. On t

esk. Her flashlight flicked on as she cr

ed the

on ribbon. Some had royal seals; others

ily updates. One was from a tutor complaini

ed beneath the res

seal. Just

him, no matter

g this, then som

m the council. E

n t

ged. A tear had bled t

idn't want to marry the king. She might've trie

ring me he

it deep into her cloak pocket

o leave-footsteps ec

a f

nob t

just as the door opened and a v

ld her

nder frame. Soft curls and large brown eyes.

t," he whispered. "I wasn'

o the desk. "I thou

ped out of the s

. "Stars above

owly. "Do you

ing you books from the kitchen hall. You once told

ed. "Sounds like s

d. "Where were yo

she said honestly. "

say you were taken

w what to be

rent now. And your voice is..

heart s

he said quickly.

it out loud, but sh

ing wa

d. "Please don't tell a

careful, my lady. They watch everyth

dn't

n't ne

had time to hide the note beneath

rius requests your presence. You're to at

nked. "O

ritual the queen-to-be must attend by his

mach dropp

lpless look. "You'

ered, "Ki

ith whispers the momen

raped in silk and gold. The air was thick with incense and petals. A lo

Ka

He looked at her like he didn't trust her on

he muttered u

chandelier," she h

t something flicker

ey stepped o

Kael knelt. Zara followed, trying to mimic the motion without tripp

oil and pouring it into the ceremonial flame. Her arms felt like lea

n't suspicio

e. Curiosity. Doubt.

t dare ho

helped her down the altar stairs, he leane

ouncil. But you won

n't look

"Then you better decide what