Daya awoke in the night to a hand over her mouth. Panic surged — until she saw it was not a guard but one of the younger maids, pale with fear.
"Run," the maid whispered. "They mean to kill you before dawn."
Before Daya could speak, the girl fled.
Terror clawed through her chest. She gathered her mother's few belongings, shaking, whispering prayers. But where could she go?
As if in answer, the door creaked open — and the Dragon Prince stood there, his eyes blazing.
"You are a fool," he growled, striding forward. "Do you think I would not know when death walks your halls?"
She gasped, falling to her knees. "Please, Your Highness, I never asked for your protection—"
"And yet you have it," he snapped, gripping her arm and pulling her to her feet. "Because you are mine to protect now."
Her heart stuttered. His words were chains and freedom all at once.