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July 14 - July 23, 2025
You will not die tonight, she silently chanted. Not tonight.
Because Lara knew what the others did not: that their father intended for only one sister to leave the compound. And that would be the future queen of Ithicana.
Ithicana was showing its true colors. Not peaceful courtyards and soothing hot springs, but violence and cruelty. And Aren was its master. But she would be his doom.
“Dragged your heels all the way here, I suspect. Either that or the weight of your crown is making you sluggish.” Aren crossed his arms. “I don’t have a crown, which you well know.” “It was a metaphor, you fool.”
“Or is my grandson’s tardiness the result of him tarrying to wipe puke off your face, little princess?” Lara blinked. “Smelled you from a hundred paces away, girl. All those years in the dunes gave you no stomach for the waves, I take it?”
“She’s in possession of a problematic amount of information.” “There was no helping it.” “Doesn’t mean it isn’t a problem.” “She saved my life.”
“The second I’m on dry land, I’m going to gut you like a pig!” She hated being afraid, and the only thing strong enough to chase the emotion away was anger.
“When I was young, I believed you must live in enormous palaces filled with all the greatest luxuries the world had to offer. That you sat on a throne of gold.” “Ah, yes. My throne of gold. I keep it on another island and visit it when I need to reaffirm my sense of self-worth and entitlement.” “Don’t mock me.” “I’m not.”
“You’re beautiful.” He tangled his fingers in her hair. “I’ve thought so since the moment I saw you, but I don’t think I’ve ever said it.”
“Then they loaded you onto the ship, and you were gone. Off to Ithicana and off, unbeknownst to me at the time, to steal away my favorite lover.” Lara gave her a sweet smile. “Given you hadn’t seen him in over a year, I’m not sure you had much claim to him at that point. If ever.” “You are quite the little bitch, aren’t you?”
She’d been duped. Manipulated. Played. She’d gone to the palace to kill her father.
“She’s beautiful. And kind.” “Yes.” His gaze was intense. “But she’s not you.”
“Since the moment I set eyes on you in Southwatch, there’s been no one but you. Even if I’m a goddamned fool for it, there will never be anyone but you.”
