Book 1: The Rightful King

Raven

Mother wakes me early, her excitement and anxiety evident in her face and posture. 

“He’ll be here tonight,” she breathes out, standing over my bed. “We must prepare. The soldiers will be close behind him.” 

I sit up quickly, trying to process her words. “Were you able to mind-link with him?” I ask breathlessly. “Did he say anything about Kieran?” 

“I’m afraid I haven’t been able to speak with him,” she tells me, her bravado faltering just a bit. Her hand goes to her heart, and she presses against her skin. “But I feel him, Raven. My mark hasn’t felt like this in years. We have much to do to prepare!” 

We spend the morning in her home, preparing for Father’s arrival. It’s so endearing watching her flit back and forth across the space, worrying over if he’ll like it. I don’t tell her that anything is an upgrade from his dungeon cell. She doesn’t need that image in her mind. 

After a quick lunch, she p