Chained (A Choice of Light and Dark, #1)

by Lacey Lehotzky

Kazimir whistled when I emerged from behind the curtain. “Thanks again, Jonaz. We will definitely be back,” I grinned at the blushing male. “It was my honor to clothe the lost princess,” he stammered, and we exited the shop into the waiting crowd. “What does everyone think?” I asked lightheartedly, turning in a circle. “A true warrior!” someone called. “I wouldn’t cross you!” another joked. “Beauty and brawn!” another laughed. But from the back of the crowd, someone shouted, “My queen!” A hush fell faster than an executioner's blade. Two treasonous words, uttered with sincerity. Two words I wanted and was terrified to hear. My heart pounded in my veins as I tried to come up with a way to dispel the tension. But Viktor arrived at his words before me and asked the crowd, “Does anyone know a good sweet shop nearby? Princess Izidora has not eaten today and would love some cinnamon rolls.” A female shouted, “My shop is just around the corner, and I baked some about half an hour ago.” “Lead the way!” I rejoiced. We led a crowd behind us to the woman’s sweet shop, where Viktor and Endre bought every cinnamon roll she’d baked and passed them out among the onlookers. We made a show of eating with the people on the sidewalk, laughing as icing transferred from the roll to my mouth and cheek. Kazimir wiped it with his finger, then bopped me on the nose, and I scrunched my face as the icing migrated across it. My people loved every minute of it, lapping up our playful interaction. Lili...