FINNIAN

My brother’s scheme worked.

Perfectly.

I didn’t return to the palace until the night dragged its claws across the sky. The moon was cold and distant, like she was laughing at me.

I had been sent to deliver that stupid letter and ended up staying at King James’s pack for hours longer than planned. He even offered to let me rest there for the night, but I refused. I was too angry. Too restless.

I just wanted distance from him, from her, from everything.

The ride back was long ...