s slowly with a yawn. My body felt exhausted, and I knew I needed more sleep. "Miss, you're at Palace

nt of the Crimson Palace. My breath caught in my throat at the beautiful sight before me. The palace stood tall and immense

lpha King's breeder. Everyone was talking excitedly amongst themselves as we waited for the gates to open. Whispers filled the courtyard as we stood,

ll so large my father's entire house could fit inside it a hundred times. Crystal chandeliers

o out of place among all these glamorous ladies and tried to stay at the back

I'd feared. Kelly. My cruel stepsister was in a group, looking beautiful and daz

ed the room again, this time searching for an escape route. I needed to leave the hall for now; otherwise, Kelly would cause a scene and embarrass me the moment she spotted me. My heart pounded as I slipped along the

l to guide me. It was quiet, so I believed no one was passing through here. I released a breath of relief at being alone, at least, before moving forward. Where did this passage lead? With any luck, it would provide an escape from this place-away from the judgment, away from Kelly's cruelty

uld attempt going to the palace. They'd be clueless about my

a corner, I collided with something solid. I stumbled back wit

ewn across the floor. Oh no. Just when I thought I'd escaped, I came face to face with what was probably a

knelt to help him. "It

ousled brown hair. His clothes were finely made but rumpled, and he had ink s

I'd picked up with an apologetic smile. He studied m

nted to leave, but I think I missed my w

e how handsome he was. My face turned red, and I c

've only just arrived for t

e,'" I murmured. "The other girls are so poised

that made me smile. "Don't sell yoursel

ee anything sensible in trying to compete to be the King's breeder. I'd rather just go back home than stay here

he said apologetically. "But I can promise no harm will come to you

's nice to meet you. And sorry f

"That's alright, Freya. Now come, let's get you bac

tle temperament and reassuring presence made me feel I could trust him. P

warm and comforting around mine. Though I still had mi

the sound of lively chatter reached my ears. I hesitated on

behalf. I'll tell him not to pick you, even if he notices you. All you have to do

up within me. "Thank you, Co

be friends, you and I." His eyes were so gr

doors into the hall. I took a deep breath, steeling myself. The room was ev

ozens of eyes turned our way. And there, directl

u doing here?" Kelly screamed at me

ea