“My father killed himself,” the king finally says. “Died at the hand of his own gun. And like you, he was the last family I had.” I stiffen in the king’s arms. “Why are you telling me this?” The king touches my temple. “You have that same look in your eyes he had. It’s been there from the first moment I saw you. And I fear both he and you know a secret I don’t.” I watch the king for a long time, my throat working. “We do.” Never had I imagined my life leading me here, to this moment. Yet now that I’m here, I wonder if there is a beautiful design to things. “Then tell me what it is,” the king
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