The vows sworn in the Sun Pavilion echoed in Kaia's mind for the rest of the day, a relentless loop of treason and terrifying devotion.
From this day until my last, I am yours. She had meant every word. She had sworn herself to the Crown Prince right in front of the Emperor, and Aeron had drunk the words down like a man starved.
But euphoria was a fragile thing in the East Wing, and Victoria Taryn was an expert at shattering it.
That evening, Kaia was in her bedchamber, trying to untangle the knotted laces of her corset. She was exhausted. The nine-day countdown was physically manifesting as a dull ache behind her eyes.
She walked over to the antique mahogany wardrobe—her secret gateway to sin—intending to put away her lavender day gown.
The door to her bedchamber burst open.
Kaia spun around, clutching the bodice of her chemise.
