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She gritted her teeth, drinking in the details of her friends, her family. She could do this for them. For those children. “Take her and go, Cassius,” Scarlett said. “Do not retaliate.”

“What?” he demanded.

“You heard me,” she said, her voice going cold. “If you do, it is not you or Nuri who will suffer but those who cannot defend themselves.” She saw the understanding pass over his face, and Nuri stiffened at her words. “Take her and go.”

Cassius made to move towards her, but Mikale shoved her behind him. “That is close enough, Commander,” he sneered. “Take that one and get off my property.”

Scarlett looked at the ground, at the ruts in the dirt from the various wheels that came around the back of the house to deliver food and goods. She could not bring herself to watch as Cassius led Nuri from the grounds.

Veda stabbing Cassius. Nuri bleeding out. Mikale taking her in an old office.A prince sleeping before a fire. Plunging a dagger into Juliette’s heart. A friend stroking her hair to help her sleep. A dark shadow leaping the rooftops with her. Golden eyes staring into hers. A star going out.

The images flashed in her mind, over and over, her heart cracking further with each image.

She felt Mikale’s hand on her back again, and he steered her to the house. The house was black stone, several stories high, with rows of rose bushes surrounding the entire base. Guards met them at the servant’s entrance; and he’d instructed a guard to take her to the West Wing and that he’d be along shortly. As they’d climbed the stairs, she had politely asked the guard his name and about his family. He’d seemed surprised at her interest in conversation, but he said nothing. By the time they’d finally reached the room, he cast her a tentative smile when he closed the door behind her. She heard the lock click, as she’d suspected it would, and here she was.

If the decor was cold and unwelcoming, the actual temperature of the room was just as cool. The fireplace was not lit, and she found her mind back on Sorin wishing he were there to start a fire.

Sorin. He’d practically begged her to let him help her, offered to flee with her, and she’d refused. She’d walked out of his apartment, knowing it would be the last time she’d see him. She couldn’t bring one more person into this. She should never have allowed him so close the way it was. She could save him at least.

Two tears escaped down her cheeks, and she let them fall. She had thought she’d have time before Mikale arrived. She had planned to find Tava and Drake and figure this out. She had thought Lord Tyndell would be there to somehow help her.

She rubbed her arms, trying to warm up in the frigid room. The sleeves of her dress did little to keep the chill at bay. There weren’t even logs to try to start a fire. Scarlett walked back to the window. The black stone of the house would be decent for climbing, but the rows and rows of thorny rose bushes below would prove an issue. She’d have to climb up.

She turned abruptly as she heard footsteps outside the room, then the click of the lock. Mikale entered the room, a cocky smile on his face.He locked the door again before turning to fully face her.

“Tell me, my pet, are these accommodations to your liking? At least until we are wed?” he sneered, leaning against the door and crossing his arms.

“I am not staying here until we are wed,” she retorted. “That would be most inappropriate.”

“Your personal belongings are already being transferred. Some are already here,” he replied casually. “Lord Tyndell is delighted with the match by the way and was more than happy to fulfill your request to come to live here so you can be near the wedding plans, since it is to happen so quickly.”

“You son of a bitch,” she seethed. Her voice was low and steely, dangerous. She casually planted her feet in a defensive position.

Mikale clicked his tongue. “Again with that language. Is that any way to talk to your future husband?”

“I may have agreed to this union, but I will make your life a living hell.”

Mikale, unfazed, simply shrugged his shoulders. “I figured as much.”

“Where are my things? The items that have already arrived?” Scarlett demanded.

“They are here.”

“Where, you prick?”

“Sweet Scarlett, do you really think youdeservesuch things after all the trouble you put me through this last year?” he asked, picking at his nails.

Anger rose up in Scarlett like a wave. She felt as if the very blood in her veins was boiling. “I amnota child,” she seethed. “You do not get to withhold my own things from me as a punishment.”

“Then stop acting like a child,” Mikale snapped, pushing off from the door. He stalked over to her, stopping a foot in front of her. “This is the world you live in now, Scarlett. Your worth lies in your bloodline, whether you know what that bloodline is or not. That is it. No one cares about a damn thing you have to say otherwise. You will be kept in my coffers as a prize. The only thing I need from you at the end of the day is an heir who exhibits that magnificent power you have running through your veins.”

A fire exploded in the hearth. The flames were so hot they were blue. Scarlett turned and ducked, covering her head as Mikale instinctively threw himself over her. “There it is,” he whispered, delight in his voice.

“Get off of me!” She shrieked after the shock of the small explosion wore off. She pushed him off with all her might, but Mikale caught her wrist.

“I should have known,” he sneered, looking down at her leg. “Give it to me.”

Scarlett had worn the grey simple dress for more than the drabness of it. It was very loose and flowing, perfect for hiding the dagger strapped to her thigh. Mikale must have felt it when he’d thrown himself on her to keep her from the flames.