“Lily has run off with Alexei!” Sasha said dramatically, trying her best to sound frantic.
James started, turning his arctic gaze on her. He’d come out onto the balcony for some air. It was almost time to have the engagement ceremony.
“Watch what you say,” James warned. “She is to be your future Empress. Stop accusing her wrongly. She and I may be in the middle of a small argument but—”
“It’s true," Sasha insisted. “She’s nowhere to be found in the palace. And neither is that rebel Alexei. Counselor Vesky has had his spies dig around and they’ve found out that Lily was in a relationship with Alexei since the day she met him. They fell instantly in love! But Alexei was in danger of being captured by Fortius! So they made a plan for her to infiltrate the palace and help Alexei’s cause.
