*Ember*

The strange young male’s eyes widened at the sound of my title. He dropped into a low bow as a deep blush spread across his cheeks.

“Please pardon me, Princess. I didn’t realize who you were,” he mumbled, straightened and doing everything in his power to avoid looking me in the eye. “I am Bryan Nightwatch, cousin to Alec.”

I offered him a nod of acknowledgement. “I understand your confusion. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bryan,” I ...