Soren made sure Annalise was safe by the fire with a dagger at her side for added protection before he took stock of what was left after the attack on the bandit camp. On the day of her kidnapping, when the rescue party had returned without her, he’d almost lost his mind and gone after…
Darkness. Pain. Darkness and pain. Annalise opened her eyes to the sight of a fire crackling several feet away. She tried to sit up and groaned when her head protested. Her thoughts felt like they were made of sodden wool–heavy, swollen, and difficult to move. She lay atop a ragged fur pelt and could hear…
Their climb into the mountains took most of the next day, and the company camped overnight under a rocky ledge in the pass itself. The Rhinneans traveling with them kept to themselves and gave no indication of wishing to interact with the Doveans, but even from across the campsite Soren could sense their smug satisfaction….
The travelers spent a few precious days at the outpost restocking their provisions and preparing for the worst of the journey ahead, although they couldn’t afford to stay for long. The evening before they were to leave, Soren and Colonel Lennil discussed the possibility of bandits on the road. “If the bandit attacks have recently…
The road to Rhinnea was treacherous, but the company of soldiers was every bit as professional and polished as their gear looked, and Annalise had full trust Soren would keep her safe. They left Dovelan two weeks before the winter solstice and expected to take a full month to reach Rea, the capital city of…
Just in time for the deadline imposed by King Evert, the preparations were complete. As her escort traveled through the streets of Dovelan, Annalise waved from her carriage at the people lining the street. They cheered when they saw her and threw dried flowers and sweet-smelling herbs. The mood was genuinely cheerful and a welcome…
As preparations swirled around the castle for Annalise’s departure, Soren spent nearly every day as her constant shadow—not that she was complaining. Annalise thoroughly enjoyed his company, and their friendship had picked up almost exactly where they’d left it over a decade before. Nearly a week after Soren was assigned as her personal guard, Annalise…
Three days later, Soren watched over Annalise in the garden as she finished harvesting the last viable herbs of autumn. He’d offered to help, but she’d turned him down, and he had to settle for holding the rapidly filling basket. One of the servant girls stood at the end of the row, chaperoning from a…
Princess Annalise fought back a yawn as she settled into the ornate chair reserved for the Crown Heir. She’d been up much later than expected the night before, playing with the other musicians until the last of the revelers finally retired to their rooms or fell asleep where they sat. In some ways, it felt…
Annalise was so struck by Soren’s words that she hadn’t even noticed him retake her hand, and when he bowed before her and brushed his lips over her gloved hand, she feared her heart would stop beating. “Captain Soren… I…” He smiled as he straightened, moving her hand back to her side before letting go…