Book 3: Kashadien

Candace

The first rays of sunrise find me already awake. I wanted to sleep—I really meant to—but after the last round, Hollis showed no signs of leaving. His dark curls stuck to his face with sweat, and the softest smile curved his lips. He cuddled down under my blankets, draped an arm around my waist, and fell right to sleep.

I meant to rest, but I spent the whole night watching his face. It was my first real night with my mate. I didn’t want to waste a single second.

But now, with the parley and King Andri’s meeting with Kieran threatening, I have other seconds I can’t waste. I brush a kiss over Hollis’s forehead, trying not to wake him. There’s no point in pretending King Andri will let me anywhere near that parley, so I need Hollis sharp. I need to know if my message reached Eva, if it made any difference at all.

As quietly as I can, I dress and creep out of my room. I have one last card in my hand to attempt to play. Not for Hollis and m