Like smoke, rumors were imperceptible until they began to suffocate the atmosphere.

And the camp smelled like it this morning.

I didn't need to ask what they were whispering. The way some warriors had stared at me and then quickly glanced at me, the smothered giggles, and the stolen looks all told the same tale.

Matilda.

It's always her.

With my arms folded, I stood close to the council tent and heard two guards whispering near the firepit. They believed I was incapable of hearing ...