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“Hopefully the answers we've all been looking for,” Grayden said.

“Ummmm...we have a problem,” Phillippe called, his voice muffled. Selenia and Grayden turned back to see Phillippe, or rather, half of Phillippe, wedged in between the walls.

Larger in the chest and a bit stockier than Grayden, it was clear that no amount of wiggling would allow Phillippe to clear the door. Finally, after a few minutes they gave up.

“I'll just guard out here, I guess,” Phillippe said, pushing himself back into the corridor.

Grayden nodded, and he moved quietly and quickly down the stairs, with Selenia following behind him.

The stairs seemed to go on and on, twisting and spiraling down beneath the palace. The farther down they got, the colder it became. Selenia began shaking almost immediately, and even Grayden was chilled in his damp shirt. Finally, after almost a half an hour, the stairs abruptly ended in front of a massive wooden door. Ancient in appearance, and etched with runes, it was firmly locked.

“What should we do?” Selenia asked.

Before Grayden could respond, the door swung wide open.

Chapter Seventeen

Renya woke up with renewed determination. She would get Cressida to trust her, and somehow learn how to defeat her. She must have some kind of weakness or fear they could exploit.

Renya washed in the small stone tub and got dressed quickly. Margot appeared with her breakfast tray, and Renya didn't waste any time in scarfing everything down. She'd definitely need her strength if she was going to try and become the ally and heir Cressida sought.

“Anything else, Miss Renya?” Margot asked, her kind eyes searching Renya's face.

“Actually...I need some make-up.”

“Make-up?” Margot looked at Renya, confused.

Renya held out her arm, where her mating mark sparkled in the light. Margot gasped as she took in the meaning.

“You're fated to your prince?”

“Yes, but Cressida thinks she's broken my bond. I need your help in covering it up.” Renya's voice trembled slightly, the weight of her deception making her nervous.

Margot disappeared, and then came back a few minutes later with a light-colored powder. She helped Renya apply it, adding several layers until she was satisfied that it wouldn't rub off.

“Thank you, Margot. I know I can trust you.” Margot smiled and backed out of the room.

Renya fixed her hair and took a few deep breaths before leaving the room. Her chambers were like a small sanctuary in the castle, and every time she left them she feared what would happen. At least Cressida never came in here, always sending someone to fetch Renya. Other than their training sessions, Renya hardly saw her.

She walked to the throne room, her heart pounding with each step. Cressida was already waiting for her. Usually, she was late and made Renya wait for her, so instantly Renya was on edge.

Cressida's face was ashen, and her entire body seemed to hum with untamed magic. The air crackled with tension, and Renya had to resist the urge to turn and flee.

Renya approached her, but was careful to stay several feet in front of her. Usually she'd stare Cressida down, but she remembered her promise to her father and dipped her head downward respectfully.

Cressida walked over to Renya, and wrenched her chin up.

“It appears my prisoners are gone,” she hissed at Renya. “I'm assuming you played some kind of part in their escape?”

Renya's heart beat faster. She looked into Cressida's violet eyes, trying to think quickly. “Which prisoners?” she asked, dropping her eyes demurely.

“Don't play dumb with me, girl!”

“I couldn't betray you if I wanted to. I'm bound to you now, and I promised not to fight. I pledged my loyalty to you.” Each word felt like a betrayal, but Renya kept her face impassive.

Cressida relaxed instantly, remembering the blood promises. She let go of Renya's chin, her nails leaving small marks against Renya's skin.

“Sion and Cyrus are gone. If you know anything, I command you to tell me.” Cressida moved to her throne and sat down.