Hope walked the perimeter of the castle grounds with Francesca. Everly was inside, presumably with Alexander. Ever since they had mated, she hadn't left their room and neither had he. It had been four days already and still Everly and Alexander were missing from the great hall at meals. Their voices could be heard up and down the hall in their wing and it was enough to make Hope roll her eyes. Enough was enough already. Marl walked behind them, surveying the perimeter with a keen eye. He was her guard for the day. Each day she had a new one, but Marl was her favorite. She could tolerate his presence.
"I wish we could leave the grounds," Francesca said wistfully, looking out toward the city beyond the gates.
"When's the last time you left?" Hope asked.
"It was before the peace summit," F
