Ally's POV

　　The cold steel of Nathan's fingers encircles my wrist, a vice of mock affection that has become all too familiar. His grip tightens, forcing me to face him.

　　"Ally," he begins, his voice a whisper that betrays the violence simmering beneath his calm facade. "You understand what is at stake, don't you?"

　　I do. Oh, how painfully aware I am of the stakes- the heir to this cursed kingdom growing inside me. Dawn stirs restlessly within me as if ...