Book 1: What I Must Do

Kieran

I wake to lamplight streaming through the curtains. It’s early morning. Though I can’t see it down here in the tunnels, I imagine the sun is still hiding beneath the horizon. I should still be asleep, but my mind and body are at odds with my heart, and rest hasn’t come easy. 

Raven and I made the most of the soft bed and total privacy we were awarded last night after our wedding and didn’t fall asleep until well past the middle of the night. But I reach over to her side of the bed and find it empty, and cool to the touch. 

I sit up and fumble for my clothes. 

She has to know that this moment was coming. That I have to leave, and it may be a while before I can return. The idea of storming into my own kingdom, deposing my father, and putting his crown on top of my own head is appealing, but it can’t happen that way. 

I have to play the long game. I have to take out the enemies in his inner circle. I have to work