Azzurra had never faced anything like this before, but one thing she was certain of she couldn’t allow the people of this kingdom to suffer for her sake.

“Sweetheart,” she whispered, crouching low so her eyes met Cesario’s. The toddler sat curled inside the cupboard, little legs folded beneath him, his wide blue eyes brimming with fear. “I want you to stay very quiet in here. If you hear anyone come into the room, you’ll close the door and stay hidden, do you ...