Chapter 7. A Life for a Life

Chantel Raven

"Would you like some more tea, miss?"

Zave politely dismisses the woman while I stare at the cruel king. We haven't spoken in two weeks, but today he arranged breakfast outside. He claimed it's nice, but I know he hates warm weather.

The table is set with delicious pastries, steam swirling from the teapot. Maids rush around, tripping over themselves to serve us. Sorana, my lady's maid, serves tea to Veronica. She winks at Sorana and sits close to me.

I glance at the gorgeous blue lake at Raven's Keep, the prettiest castle I've seen. The lake is blue-green, flowers floating on top, sunlight reflecting.

The king talks with Laurence, not looking at me once. It bothers me; I had a plan, a goal. He's making it difficult.

Z, Veronica, and I devised a strategy for the ball in two weeks. We need Mount Elffire to disarm the Royal Elffire, allowing us to kill the king during the ball. Unarmed guards can&