I opened my eyes and looked directly at Lord Ravenclaw.

"I choose neither."

"What?" His confident expression faltered.

"I refuse your false choice. I will not abdicate my throne, and I will not let you harm them." I gripped the arms of the Moonspire throne, feeling its ancient power flow through me like liquid starlight. "There is a third option you have not considered."

"And what is that?"

"I choose to trust."

I turned to face the three princes, my heart hammering with terrifying ...