*Belasarius*

I was about to grab the keys to the bonds around my arms when my father revealed his secret weapon. Stupid. Stupid stupid Bel. Of course he’d have one last trick up his sleeve just in case a shifter managed to get as far as the throne room. Now he had them all right where he wanted them, and moreover, he had me.

“Release me!” I shouted, screaming and yanking my arms to try and get away, but this old man was far stronger than I ever gave him credit. ...