Evanara I awoke to a hand over mouth and nose and something sharp teased my neck. "Scream and I'll slit your throat." A male's voice said behind me. I stilled, eyes darting over to the edge of the bed where Gawain usually sat. He wasn't there. Instead I saw another cloaked figure standing at the edge of the bed, watching. He'd returned to his chambers last night on Katherine's request. Cold sweat trickled down my neck and my breath hitched. Pair of hands yanked me from my bed and another pair tied a cloth around my mouth. Something fell over my face and all I could see was darkness. My hands were tied in front of me tightly. They could have easily slit my throat and ended me when I was asleep but they were taking me captive. If they went through all this trouble just to cart me away blindfolded, I was important to them and they wouldn't try to kill me. Someone pushed me forward and another yanked my hands, pulling me by the rope that tied them. I heard the slight creak

Evanara I didn't leave my room for the rest of the day. I only moved a few times when i needed to relieve myself. I ignored who ever knocked on the door and remained in bed. My stomach churned a couple of times but i ignored it. Mostly because i was scared of opening the door and finding him outside my room. I would sneak out night and find something to eat. I looked out the window. Only the black night showed ahead. It took me back to my days as a child. Mother would not let me leave the house so i could not go to school like the other children would. She personally tutored me. I had first seen the stars and the moon from books. Had craved to go outside to see for myself but every time i had spoken about it, she would change the topic and start telling me stories. Intriguing stories. None ever of humans. She only spoke of impossible things and i had always listened with rapt attention. In her burning eyes, i had seen excitement, wildness and happiness whenever she spoke about a wor

Katherine I gazed upon the miserly guard who had brought back the letter Gawain had planned to give Oleia. "His Majesty said to give the Dowager Empress Oleia, your grace. He will kill me if I give it to anyone else," he repeated for the third time. I stood from Gawain's chair and approached the guard. "Give. It. To. Me."I said, each word a silent threat with a stretched palm. His eyes dipped down to my palm and then back to my face. There was clear defiance in them. A loyal dog and more importantly, a problem. My lips curled up. "Alright." He loosed a breath. "Adrienne." An order. I turned around, leaving the man to his fate, and strolled back to the chair. My chin rested on my hand and I watched Adrienne trail the guard who now understood what was about to happen. His face turned pale and I sniggered at the sheer sight of it. Adrienne unsheathed his sword and in one movement, slit the man's throat. The sealed letter dropped from his fingers and his hands held

Katherine "Tell me."I said, scribbling down words on the sheet that had been blank a few minutes ago. " Empress Oleia has been snooping around the barracks more often than usual. She's been there five times today. I think she might be on to something. She's noticed their appearances." I stopped writing and looked over my shoulder. "I made you Head of Knights and guards and you can't take care of an old woman? Don't make me laugh Adrienne. Do what you have to. She can't find out what you've been up to. Unless you want her to... That'd be bad for you." I returned to my writing. "For me? I only followed your orders." I tipped my head backwards and roared with laughter. Still laughing, i stood and leaned against the chair. "No one would believe you. After all, I'm just the lonely, sad, barren and incapable wife of the Emperor. How could i have access to the Emperor's guards rations and pay when those things are only accessible to you, Orien and Gawain himself? " I tsked thrice. "I

Kevan (That same night...) A scream jerked me awake from sleep. I knew that voice. Layna. I sat up and my head bumped into the wood above my head. I ignored the pain and stood to my feet. There was no sound coming from my room. My roommates were still asleep. How could they still be asleep? Did they not hear it? Another scream and I put my palms over my ears, hoping to drown it out. Layna. She was screaming for help. My feet began moving and I left my room, shutting the door behind me. I had never been to her room before but I heard that she had a room to herself. It was the least they could do for a princess. I followed the hallways I had heard was the way to her room. Another scream had my heart racing and I broke into a run. There were other rooms on this hallway that were way closer to hers. They should have awoken first but somehow, aside from the screams I heard, the hallway was completely silent. I looked at the rooms. They all had similar doors and rand