here is Conovar Stuart’s daughter,” King Loren called jovially, causing every noble in the room to turn and look at Nat. “I am happy to announce that her marriage to Handor Ochxon will ally our two nations as nothing else could! To our bond!”

The room descended into answering calls of ‘to our bond’ as laughter and shouts echoed around her, but Natalie did not notice. She barely noticed the malevolent amusement in her brother’s face or the preening gloating of her mother. The world was shaking and she was still trapped in eyes consumed by darkness.     

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