I spent five long days or so rotting away in this godforsaken dungeon, surrounded by damp walls and an orchestra of squealing rats. The only visitors I've had are the foul stench of stale bread and a bowl of broth that looks and tastes like it's been strained through a dirty sock. Let's just say the culinary delights of the palace aren't exactly Michelin-star-worthy.But today, something's different. The clanging of armored boots echoes through the stone corridors, growing louder and louder until it stops right outside my cell. As he opens the door, the light coming from his torch blinds me.I have to blink several times until my gaze focuses on a guard with a perpetually scowling face, keys jangling on his belt."Get up, prisoner," he grumbles, his voice as welcoming as a swarm of hornets.With a slow motion, I push myself up from the cold, damp floor, my stiff joints protesting after being deprived of movement for so long."Finally, some excitement!" I say, feigning enthusiasm. "Wha
“Darling!” Kaya takes Prince Theodore’s hand. “It is time for you to announce to everyone what we discussed this morning. Remember?”She then waves toward the executioner to lower his ax and take a step back. As the hooded man lets me go, a sigh of relief escapes me. My week’s worth of stubble had almost become one with the wood. Prince Theodore steps forward while I struggle to push myself up from the damned log, my legs weak from days spent confined in the dungeon. Balancing on wobbly feet, I steady myself, my eyes fixed on the prince.He looks every bit the royal heir, his princely attire immaculate, his hair perfectly coiffed. Addressing the crowd, Prince Theodore clears his throat, his voice carrying a hint of unease. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, today marks a significant turning point in my life... and in the future of our kingdom."Whispers ripple through the crowd, curiosity and confusion etched on their faces. Prince Theodore continues, his voice growing stronger
The grand hall remains steeped in a charged silence, like the calm before a tempest. The weight of the recent revelations hangs heavily in the air, threatening to unleash a storm of uncertainty and conflict upon the kingdom. I stand at the center of it all, keenly aware of the growing tension surrounding me.The crowd begins to stir, whispers of disbelief and skepticism swelling like a rising tide. As the news of Prince Theodore's abdication spreads through the hall, murmurs and gasps can be heard among the assembled courtiers. Some of the more impudent nobles have already begun to voice their doubts about my legitimacy, but I am prepared to prove them wrong. Among them, influential nobles step forward, their expressions hardened and their eyes fixed upon me with disdain.Lord Harrington, a man known for his cunning and manipulative ways voices their concerns, his voice dripping with scorn. "This is an outrage! How can we allow a mere blacksmith to assume the mantle of leadership? It
All eyes remain fixed on Alex, her sword lowered and dripping with Lord Avery’s blood. The silence lingers, pregnant with the weight of the decision that hangs in the balance. Princess Kaya and I exchange glances. This reminds me that I haven’t ever seen her without her redheaded companion. But Leah is not around. I wonder what happened between the two. Suddenly the puzzle pieces start to fall into place. Memories of Alex's interactions with Naomi flash through my mind—the lingering glances, the subtle touches, the way they stood close at the table at George’s shop. Maybe I'm not just imagining things. It was way more than friendship or sisterly affection. They had a fallout, probably because Alex wanted more. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it’s worth a shot.I meet Alex's gaze. “Mark would have been proud for his sister to take his place in the royal guard,” I say, attempting to inject some levity into the situation. “Also, Naomi would be here too and you two would meet
“You?” Kaya asks with a raised eyebrow before letting out a chuckle. “Didn’t take you long to step into your new role I see…”Alex — dressed in the resplendent armor of the royal guard —- steps forward, her gaze unwavering, and her voice resolute. "Princess, since I have accepted the offer, I am here to fulfill my duties as a member of the palace guard. But first I have to have a talk with David, or Wrenn, or whatever his name is…" She turns to me. “While we were handling Lord Avery back at his mansion, Bree told me about Naomi. That she's a member of your... harem… Is it true?”Kaya's eyes dart between Alex and me. "David? Harem? I don't understand... What have you been up to behind my back?"I rise from the bed. "Kaya, I planned to tell you when I’d have the time."As I look at her, I realize the princess can’t possibly comprehend my needs, even if she’s going to be my wife and the surrogate mother of my child — or Wrenn’s child, or whatever. Not like Bree or Naomi… The thought of
Kaya, Alex, and I turn our attention to the window. Who could possibly be knocking on the window of this top floor chamber this late at night? I think it’s midnight or something.With caution, I approach the window, my hand hovering over the latch. Alex and Kaya stand close behind me. Taking a deep breath, I slide open the window, revealing the familiar face of Bree peering in as she clings to the outer ledge. My breath catches in my throat at the audacity of her position, knowing that one wrong move could result in a fatal fall."Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Bree says playfully, her eyes scanning the room. "Looks like I stumbled upon an intriguing gathering."I lean closer to the window, my voice laced with both surprise and amusement. "Bree, what are you doing here? And how did you manage to find us on this top floor?"Bree shrugs. "Oh, you know me, always finding my way to where the action is. And as for why I'm here, well, let's just say I couldn't resist the allure of
A stray strand of Alex's platinum hair catches my eye as it falls over her face. With an instinctual desire to remove the barrier between us, I reach out my hand, ready to tuck the hair behind her ear. But just as my fingertips graze her soft hair, she takes a subtle step back, avoiding my touch.She blushes and tucks the strand away herself. A flicker of confusion passes through me, but I quickly recover, a playful smile curling on my lips. "Playing hard to get, are we?" I tease. "Well, I do enjoy a challenge."Alex's eyes meet mine, vulnerability swirling within them. "Maybe I'm just not ready yet," she says, her voice a delicate whisper.I take a step closer, closing the distance between us. "That's perfectly alright," I reply, my tone soothing. "We'll go at your pace. No rushing, no pressure."A hesitant, but appreciative smile tugs at the corners of her lips. "Thank you," she murmurs."But," I add, "that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun in the meantime."With a surge
Alex's eyes widen with panic, and she swiftly snatches the sheet off the bed, draping it around herself like a hastily crafted makeshift garment. Meanwhile, I remain on the floor with nothing else other than the torn curtain to shield my modesty."Who is it?" I call out, holding in a giggle at the entire situation.A familiar voice floats through the door. "It's Naomi, coming for the daily cleaning. Is this a bad time?"A mischievous grin spreads across my face. The widow still works in the palace. Of course she can enter the premises whenever she wants to. "Oh, no, Naomi, it's the perfect time for a thorough cleaning, isn't it?" I respond with a chuckle.As the door swings open, Naomi enters the room, her eyes widening at the sight that greets her. I'm sprawled on the floor, the torn curtain clinging to my body in a somewhat futile attempt at decency. Alex, wrapped in the sheet like a modern-day Greek goddess, stands nearby, her face flushed with embarrassment."Looks like I stumble