“Lady Stuart,” he murmured with a respectful bow. It was more habit than anything as his vision tinged red at the edges. “By The Creator, what has happened to you?” He glanced threateningly at Eli.

“Peace Alistair,” she murmured as she staggered forward. “Eli saved me from the Emperor. King Loren tried to marry me off to him and I refused. It did not end well for me. If not for Eli, then I would be dead… or worse.”

"But your father-" Alistair began to protest.

"He is dead," she interrupted in a flat tone. "I am alone now."

As Alistair digested this disturbing news, Eli turned toward Natalie. “I told you to wait,” he murmured gently as he steadied her with his arm. “If they had caught you&...

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