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King Slate is no human, but a monster from another realm, and long ago, before he took the crown, he paid Grimvale a visit. I’d heard stories of when a royal subject arrived with ambitions but needed gold to support his ventures. Grimvale is known for its wealth. The courts provided him with the funds needed to secure himself as the king of this human territory. In exchange, we received favors, such as preferential treatment and selection of the Chosen from his villages each year.

The binding between our worlds remains strong.

Eventually, we pause outside a set of lofty dual doors with guards posted outside. The Gamemaster turns to us. “His Majesty has recently returned from his travels, and he doesn’t have a lot of time to spare. This will be fast. Answer his questions, and we’re done,” he says grudgingly.

He clicks his fingers at the guards, and they step forward to pull open the doors. Then we follow the Gamemaster inside.

Decorative golden edging lines the vast ceilings, and a curved window on the far wall overlooks the mountains and a waterfall. It’s breathtaking. A plush red rug leads us deeper into the expansive room to where King Slate sits in the middle of a leather lounge. His legs are crossed, head low, eyes locked on us.

The Gamemaster marches ahead of us, bowing for his king, then whispers something to him.

“Send them forward,” the king announces, his voice raspy and clipped.

That’s when the Gamemaster sweeps to the side, stating, “His Majesty King Slate welcomes your presence. My king.” He bows his head toward him. “Your guests are Lord Corvin of the Gold Ember Court. Lord Lian of the Obsidian Sun Court. The girl is Dawn, who is believed to be the last of her royal bloodline from the Ice Fire Court, and lastly we have Kazak, a warrior of the Ash Clan who has been living illegally in one of your villages without consent for years, with Dawn.”

I hold the king’s gaze as I have nothing to hide or be ashamed of. My mission was simple from the start. Protect Dawn, at any cost. When her father begged me to save her, offering her as mine, I accepted the task, knowing I’d leave my life behind. But I’d lost my family. Everyone I loved was long gone. I’d started to despise my own life. So I jumped at the chance to escape my sorrows. He told me exactly where to escape to, saying he had a connection, and now that coin sits in my pocket. My one lifeline.

King Slates rises and moves to greet the two Lords. “May two Grimvale heirs under my roof fortune us all.”

Corvin and Lian return the fake compliments, and I glance over at Dawn, who’s pinching her lips to the side, appearing nervous.

His Majesty turns his attention to Dawn. “My deepest condolences for your loss. I can’t imagine how difficult this must all be for you, as I am led to believe you remember nothing of your past or your family.”

She nods. “Yes, correct, Your Majesty.” She does a tiny bow, which I find too adorable.

The king strolls closer to me, his gaze darkening. “Years, that’s a long time to go undetected. You must be really good, Kazak.”

“I’ve been told that.”

He laughs, the sound sharp and wicked. “It’s going to be difficult for me to ignore the deceit from both you and Dawn here, as I can’t be seen as a king who overlooks such betrayal.”

“Your Majesty,” Lian says, stepping closer, and steel glints behind his gaze. “Before any decisions are made, you should be aware that Dawn is under my protection. She is my soulmate. We have bonded. So I can’t stand back should any harm come to her. I’ll take it as a personal grievance, if that happens.”

Dawn’s rubbing her arms, and I want to draw her into my embrace to whisper that I’ll slay the king himself before I let anyone touch her. And I hate admitting that Lian might come in handy in keeping her safe.

The king’s eyebrows rise as he twists his attention to Dawn, then Lian. “Is that so?”

Lian doesn’t miss a beat to brag, already unbuttoning his shirt, dragging the fabric aside to reveal his chest. Just as quickly, the entwined serpents form across his flesh, along with the words Dawn Starbourne.

The king stares at the mark for a long stretch, and he knows our customs well enough to understand what such a marking means. He strolls back to the couch and sits, legs spread, staring at Lian. “What an interesting development. You’re bonded to an enemy court. I’m certain your father will have plenty to say about that.”

Lian chuckles. “That he will, but even he can’t challenge the Gods when it comes to fate.”

“And neither will I,” he answers. “Therefore, Dawn is yours, and you have my blessing. Though I was informed by the Viscount from Moonstone Village that you were to choose your mate for the Selection Portal. Is that correct?”

I nod. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“And have you made your choice?”

“No, not yet.”

He just stares at her. “Well, sometimes the universe has a way of making those choices for you.” He lifts his gaze my way. “Now, Kazak. Unfortunately for your⁠—”

I collect the coin from my pocket. “Your Highness, may I approach?” I request, cutting off his words, exhausted from these games.

Every eye in the room twists toward me, but I give my attention only to the king, who leans forward in his seat. He smirks like a man who isn’t surprised often.

He studies me for a long moment, then calls me over with the flick of his fingers. Two guards close in on either side of the king, hands gripping swords.