Chapter 5  ISOLATION BLOCK  I show my badge to the other guards, but judging by the way they ogle me, it wasn’t really necessary.  I told them the warden asked…

  Chapter 4  2:46 PM  I check all the cells to make sure the inmates are inside, ignoring their leering and twisted looks.  I stop in front of the last…

Chapter 3  PRISON  7:10 AM  I’m in the warden’s office of this lovely prison. He’s been staring at me for a few minutes now, and I remain unfazed by his…

Chapter 2  Chapter 2  MAIN VILLA  2:35 PM  I’m in my father’s office. He’s looking me up and down and gives me a crooked smile that doesn’t promise anything good. …

Chapter 1  Prologue  “If you want to succeed, be strong.”  “Don’t ever let anyone piss on you. If someone dares to do it, put a bullet between their eyes without…

CHAPTER 30 Aug 14, 2025 VERA’S POV I stood in front of the mirror, barely breathing as my maid adjusted the final clasp of the ceremonial robe. The fabric shimmered…

CHAPTER 29 Aug 14, 2025 VERA’S POV The cobbled path wound around the edge of the palace gardens. Lanterns flickered to life in quiet succession, casting warm glows on the…

CHAPTER 28 Aug 14, 2025 VERA’S POV He stood in front of me, his voice shaky, his eyes filled with something I couldn’t yet name. Then I charged. I didn’t…

CHAPTER 27 Aug 14, 2025 LUCIEN’S POV I told myself I’d walk away, far from Vera and Caelen. Let her have her moment, her crown, her future. But I didn’t…

CHAPTER 26 Aug 14, 2025 VERA’S POV Caelen’s eyes couldn’t meet mine. He stood framed in the doorway of my chambers, shoulders slumped, the proud royal advisor reduced to a…