Kaira and Shal stared at each other wordlessly for a long moment.

“In your hour of d-doom?” Shal repeated, her eyes widening.

“Yes,” Marcela responded. “That is why the king honors you.”

“But the king is wrong,” Shal objected. “We aren’t here to save anyone. This is just a big mistake.”

“You will discover your purpose,” Marcela said, a note of strong belief in her voice. “You were chosen for a reason.”

Shal looked at Kaira, fear rising in her eyes again.

A knock sounded on the door. Opening it, Marcela bowed to the king’s son, Prince Alexander, who stood on the threshold.

“Ladies,” he greeted with an easy smile and stared at them as if he could not believe t...

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