Snow fell endlessly over Drako Castle, covering the black stone towers in frost and silence.
The royal wedding was only three days away.
And Ariana felt trapped inside a nightmare she could not wake from.
Her chambers glowed dimly with firelight while Serena fastened the final hooks of her midnight-blue cloak.
"You're trembling again," Serena whispered.
"I know."
Ariana moved toward the window, staring out across the icy cliffs below the castle. Torches flickered along the walls where Drako guards patrolled endlessly.
Watching.
Guarding.
Controlling.
Alexander had doubled security around her chambers after rumors spread that neighboring kingdoms might attempt assassination before the wedding.
But Ariana knew the truth.
The guards were not there to protect her.
They were there to make sure she could never escape him.
Serena lowered her voice carefully. "He'll come tonight."
Ariana closed her eyes briefly.
"I know."
