"Do I really have to say it?" The foolish question sent violent ripples across the previously still surface of my mind. "Do you really need me to say it for you to know? Ivan, that man Valentin has rejected my invitations nine times. Not once, …
Continue ReadingOnce they showed their faces to the Empress and were recognized as proud members of the Ohala Empire's upper class, they were swept away by a whirlwind of various balls, banquets, tea parties, salons, or clubs, wandering through social life—or on a larger…
Continue Reading“I believe the rest of this conversation should be held privately with His Highness Vasily.” “Now of all times?” “Give me a break. What’s that supposed to mean? You were the one who asked me the question!” “Men are all the same. They use you only when they ne…
Continue Reading“I believe you’ve already crossed the line simply by revealing the prophecy to only the two of your Highnesses. Do you wish to protect Princess Larisa?” I wanted to sew Valentin’s lips shut for speaking so fearlessly. I didn’t know how gently Vasily had treat…
Continue ReadingA cool breeze brushed against my forehead and drifted past my cheeks. Unable to wipe the smile from my lips, I countered with a warning. “You’re the one who needs to stay sharp, Valentin. Don’t forget that I am the Princess. If I so much as get a tiny scratch…
Continue ReadingThen again, there is a difference between him bragging about me and me clinging to an outsider myself. Because I loved Vasily, my family, I didn't want to offend him as much as possible. As I slid my hand out of Valentin's, Vasily stepped closer and l…
Continue ReadingVasily strode out of the dining room, his fingers interlaced with mine. In truth, I didn't have much of a hidden agenda. To cling to Valentin like a leech, there was a prerequisite step: I first had to cling to Vasily like a leech. It might have been some…
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