Gianna.
I woke up to sunlight spilling over the bed board, brushing the floorboards with golden streaks. My legs tangled in the sheets for a moment longer—I wasn’t quite ready to leave the warmth—but I had a plan to step out, to move a little, breathe a little, feel the morning. I freshened up and left the room.
The grounds were quiet as I padded down the hall, the soft thump of my bare feet against the wood echoing slightly. But there was a low hum of voices drifting from the training yard, and curiosity prickled at me.
I crept closer, careful not to be seen, and froze when I recognized Ivan’s voice.
“…found outsiders near the northern borders,” one of the soldiers said, tension cutting through his words.
Ivan’s voice was calm but razor-sharp. “How many?”
“Three. They were armed, b
