The Next Day “Feet apart, Carissa. No, not that far. And weight on the balls of your feet.” She adjusted her stance and swiped the back of her wrist across her forehead. It came away glistening with sweat. “I’m trying.” Elon drummed his fingers against the hilt of his sword. “We’ve only been working on…
The air seared her throat as she dragged another lungful in. Breathing was growing more difficult, like there was a pressure steadily squeezing her chest. Rain and sweat moistened her skin, and her wet chemise chafed at her legs, each rub like raking fire across her skin. At least she wasn’t wearing her bulky dress….
Elon reined the horse to a halt before dismounting. He lifted up his arms, and Carissa slid into his embrace before he set her down. He removed some of the horse’s packs, stuffed them into his own, and slapped the horse on the rump. The horse started towards the palace, about five miles of field…
The Next Day Carissa spewed a curse, and her lady-in-waiting stifled a gasp. It seemed her breakfast with Elon would have to wait after all. She’d thought her schedule was clear this morning, but she’d forgotten she’d told Lady Dara she’d join her for breakfast—and to talk about her town’s defenses for when the Reapers…
The Next Day Carissa shuffled through her sheets of paper. Today was Lady Rita’s birthday celebration, and the woman had made a point to invite the most influential nobles. And she’d invited Carissa to make the celebratory speech. A black smear drew her gaze to the page. She’d been so intent on her speech she…
She sank against the fountain wall next to Elon. “The Reaper King? That’s impossible. That means he’s been alive for…” “A thousand years. And it’s not impossible. You know how my Foresight is merely part of my gifting? Given to me by the previous King?” She nodded. “Part of the gifting is the ability to…
Nothing wounds quite so deep Not sword, nor dagger, nor bow As betrayal’s sting upon one’s heart Which lands the most painful blow The First King was nearly felled By such a weapon as this When his pregnant queen left his side For his Commander’s kiss Carissa’s fingers stiffened, crinkling the page. She smoothed it…
Two Weeks Later Carissa closed the door gently, until it latched with a soft click. She held her head high, gliding to the bed. And then she collapsed face-first onto its soft surface, buried her face into a pillow, and screamed. It was at times like these she was tempted to arrange the assassinations of…
The words thudded into her with the weight of a canon ball. If she weren’t so chilled, she might have staggered backward from their force. Aleck’s uncle stepped forward, the formality dropping from his expression. “Aleck—” Aleck whirled around. “Don’t you dare take a step closer or I’ll give you a taste of my knight…
She mustn’t cry. Akar’s leering face loomed above her, twisting in satisfaction as a hot burst of pain sliced through her core. Carissa clenched her jaw to prevent her lips from trembling and fastened her gaze on the ceiling. It was so beautiful. Another burst of pain had her clenching the blankets beneath her, her…