"I can't continue with this whole ridiculous thing happening" Odi continued, "I am sorry, your majesty"
"Ridiculous thing, you call it"
"I'm sorry again, but I am going to steal the heartstone" she exhaled. "And I will earn my freedom. Maybe that way I'll get a little respect from your people"
The moon hung low over the kingdom, casting long silver shadows across the stone walls of the palace. A breeze drifted through the open window of the Odi's quarter.
Odi stood by the hearth, her arms folded tightly across her chest, her gaze locked on the flames that danced in the grate.
Darius went to sit across from her, silent, watching her like a man trying to decipher the storm behind her eyes.
"Let's not pretend any longer," Odi finally said, her voice low but unwavering.
Darius's bro
