s securely hidden within the wooden transportation, she gives herself the freedom to release her anguish and fear. Her tears are warm against her skin and she

e bottom of her lip to hide any whimpers that try to slip through. “I am supposed to have a say in my future husband

o dwell on what has happened in the past, or what you are leaving behi

from the window. “I know, but it

Lady, in order for you to be presentable

elma moves to her side of the carr

s so lustrious.” Selma smiles as she runs her fingers

I have always preferred it shorter.

is unique and precious. Any woman would perish for

peers back out the window, longing for the green grass and tints of blue and yellow from flowers to pop out and surprise her, but it is all dull and deceased. Her heart aches. Her mot

y with gardens full of flowers and farms thriving wit

ted with me if I do not believe you. I fear

d toward her so that she could look her in the eyes, “There may come a time when it passes you by but

ry my bes

that it will not be easy.” Selma moves back to her side and resitua

ainst the dirt and the driver barking orders to the animals. Several men on horseback surround the carriage, acting as escorts and bodyguards for Eliana on h

has killed hundreds of men, even some women. Could he truly be so vicious? He sha

causes her entire body to quiver. If he trul

en Murduk would not be compelled to remain neutral. King Omion is only protecting his citizens a

that his refugees may be dangerous, as they have not harassed him personally. Out of the three main countries

ws and ordered to support the Climont empire? Selma has told me to look forward to

s. She must act the part of ruler, as she soon will be. She has long since been seen as a woman in t

>

.” Beatrice Darcy explains, her voice rough as irritation builds in her throat. She g

te there? They will just end up being self-centered and greedy like the rest of them.” He groans and shifts over a

d. If our children do not procure our descendants, we will become ext

can live peacefully, but you know, as well as I, that not all mates are found within the same clan. Our own Chief has three brides already. What about his mate? She i

r growls in his mind. He clenches his jaw and his

eld off your ceremony for too long.” She sighs, and gently scratches at her temple. “You are seventeen now. You

y being here with you and papa. Yo

wn to help with the weeds. “Before you meet, you might believe that you can go an entire lifetime of not knowing them. It is not until you lock eyes th

watches his mother. A smile of his

it is worth the cha

oing, “I know, mama. I just do not want to travel all the wa

ut your future. That is what matters. Be prepa

s momentarily before

>

s. The smooth but definit

d. Tufts of fur fl

uciatin

li

n. Her heart refuses to slow as every muscle in her body tenses to the point of agony.

ion in years. Especially not the felines. Not them. This

. She must clear her mind. Is she sure this is even real? She rarely has

l banned all Pivurlion and the new

ch reveal the intricate and technical design of her tattoos running the length of her body, sways with her

ust l

of danger runs up her arm, causing a shiver