Gadis

Today, the Second Prince, Arin, stood at the forge’s entrance. He was not tall, but his presence filled the space like a drawn sword. His silver cloak was immaculate, untouched by the soot that coated every other surface.

She offered the blade to him, hilt first. He did not take it immediately. Instead, he looked at her—really looked, past the soot and the lowly title. Today, the Second Prince, Arin, stood at the

“Three days,” she said.

“The court tried to poison me yesterday,” he said quietly. “My brother’s wine. My mother’s handkerchief wiped the cup. That is the world I live in.” the Second Prince