Gideon gives me a slow nod. His handsome, rugged features are sharp and chiseled and his hair is a thick, medium brown. He narrows his hazel-green eyes as if sizing me up...or maybe he just figured out how nervous I actually am. Every single person here is male, each is at least one double my size and they all look like they're hungry for war.

"Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to meet you." Gideon's gritty voice floods the room. He props his elbows on the table and leans forward ...