Book 5: Last Chance

Ingrid

The morning after waking up next to my dead mate, I sit in the ballroom, now stuffed with long tables for the vultures who are still here to eat breakfast. Early morning cool wafts in through the unfinished wall. At the name-blessing, that seemed charming. A promise of a kingdom still being built mirroring the twin princes. Now, it just feels exposed, like anyone could reach in through the side and just start snatching people out.

I’ve been paranoid all morning. It’s a miracle I made it down here, with how much time I spent looking over my shoulder. I should’ve tripped over my own feet and proven the Goddess was right to match us together by dying of plunging through an open window the very next day. My dreams last night were hectic and red. This morning, I’m only more sure that Amval was murdered.

I hunch over my plate of bread, fruit, and porridge, ravenous. Yesterday’s distraction meant my rumbling stomach woke me up earlier than most of