THE NEXT DAY WAS FINALLY the rest day. Alek still slept when I snuck out of the room. The two guards shadowed me as I walked to the library. I thanked the one that opened the library door and paused, staring at all those shelves packed with books.

I intended to spend the day reading up on my realm. Not the romantic rest day I'd envisioned at the beginning of the week, but it had to be done. I had so much to learn.

'Morning, Cat.'

I jumped. I hadn't spotted Kassie ...