As dawn invades the night, my eyes flutter open, and I lift my head. Kyron sleeps soundly with his arms wrapped around me, and my leg draped over his. I run my knuckles across the stubble covering his jaw and trace his lips with my eyes. He's beautiful when he sleeps, like a fallen dark angel.

My gaze wanders over the cords of his neck and the dip at the base. I follow his collarbone and study the tattoo on his bicep. His long fingers curved at my waist, brings a smile to my face, and the V at his hips points to the center of his legs, causing me to lose my breath.

Last night was surreal. It embodied everything I thought I would never get to share with another—a mixture of adoration and lust. I gave myself freely to him, and he offered is body in kind. We gave and took and gave some more until we were exhausted and had no choice but to give into sleep.

I kiss Kyron's shoulder and slide out of his hold. Lifting my arms to the sky, I stretch my aching muscles. The morning breeze caresses my naked body, and I close my eyes, basking in the sensation. Even the morning is perfect with a sun kissed breeze and singing birds.

With one more look at Kyron, I stand and make my way down the rock to the edge of the water. Clenching my teeth, I dip a toe into the river, acclimating to the chilly flow before stepping in. I splash my face and dip my head back, letting the gentle current wash me clean.

Samson bristles and stomps his hoof.

"Don't be jealous," I say. "And stop acting like a pervert watching me."

With a laugh which matches the bursting, giddy bubbles inside me, I lean back and go weightless. I watch the clouds roll against the orange and pink sky and revel in the river's tranquility.

I've never been so close to having everything I want. Some may consider my life far from ideal, promised to marry one and desiring another, but this is perfection in my extraordinary circumstance. There is no black and white. I dwell in hues of gray, and I've never seen a more gorgeous shade. I'm right where I'm meant to be.

Hands slide down the outsides of my arms, and I tilt my head back, meeting Kyron's smiling face. He leans down, presses his lips to mine, and whispers, "Good morning."

I right myself and wrap my arms around his neck. "A very good morning."

Tucking a strand of wet hair behind my ear, he says, "We have to get going. I have some preparations to finish before leaving for Stigian tonight."

"Tonight?"

"No one told you?"

I shake my head. "I've only spoken with Ulric and Leif, and both of them had more to say about you than the mission." Kyron lifts a brow, and I clarify, saying, "They were worried about you."

He runs his hands down my sides and chuckles. "That gave you joy."

I pucker my lips to hide my smile. "You don't have to read my emotions. I'm happy to tell you how I feel. They may have mentioned that you seemed a little down in my absence."

"So you're saying you delight in my pain?"

I stand on my tiptoes, and pressing my body to his, I whisper against his ear, "I find all sorts of delights with you, General LeFur."

He growls and guides my legs around him. "What the hell; it's my prerogative to make them wait."

"You're pulling rank?"

"Fuck yes, I am," he says, and his lips collide with mine.

*****

I shove the last pin in my hair, securing the bun to the back of my head, and release a long breath. My reflection stares back at me, fierce in her black armor with her chin held high. No crown on my head could make me feel as powerful as I do now. Tonight will be my first act as a leader who will rule and fight to the death for what is right. I'm laying claim to what I want and will stop at nothing to get it.

I exit my room just as Greer steps into the hallway. She wears her new protective armor, without the fire element. As always, she strapped an assortment of blades to her body—two secured to her back and several down her thigh. With my single sword swaying from my hip, I appear vastly under prepared compared to her.

She sweeps her gaze over me and reaches for a small dagger strapped to her boot.

"I have my sword," I say, clenching the hilt.

"I know, but one more won't hurt."

"Of course it won't." I slide the sheathed blade inside my boot.

We exit the barracks to find a sea of ebony. Hundreds of soldiers move toward the training field. Every single one of these men and women made a choice. They do not have to march into battle to save my father. Kyron offered them a reprieve, telling them he would not hold it against them if they chose not to risk their life for another. So it was by their own volition that they came to save my father, their general.

Greer and I push our way to the front of the crowd, and she leaves my side to stand next to an elevated platform with Terro and Ulric. Terro jerks his head to the side, motioning me to stand next to him, but I hold my place with the lower-ranking men and women. I know where I belong, and I've yet to earn the right to face those who battle with me tonight as a leader.

Murmurs come from the far end of the gathered soldiers, and some take a step back as a menacing figure walks toward the platform. Kyron does not wear the new uniform, but the leather and steel of a Stigian warrior—his disguise to get us into the prison.

Leif flanks the general and slides in with the other officers. I'm surprised to see him geared up like the rest of us. As my future husband, Micah has ordered him to stay far away from the battlegrounds. He must remain protected if I'm to bear an heir to my crown. But like so many other things this day, he is refusing to fall in line.

Kyron takes the platform and sweeps his gaze over the soldiers at his command. The metal capping his shoulders and covering his chest makes them look broader, threatening...terrifying. Matched with his ebony and amber eyes, he looks every bit the role he must play—a superior warrior who will stop at nothing to take my kingdom and siphon the dormant power of those I must protect.

Kyron lifts a hand, and the crowd falls silent. "For too many days, we have fought on the defensive—protecting the lives of every Lucent and shedding our blood on our own land. But tonight, we will spill the blood of our enemy on Stigian soil!"

The soldiers beat their chests and release ominous cries; their tongues hanging from their mouths.

"Tonight, we have chosen to bring back one of our own!" Kyron shouts over the noise.

Feet stomp and fists pound over hearts to a swift beat. The soldiers chant the words of an old prayer, turning it into their battle cry.

Guide us with your light.

We move with your wind,

find strength from your earth.

We flow with your waters,

and attack with the force of lightning.

Burn bright in us, Statera.

Our enemy will fall cold at our feet.

We fight for our land.

We die for our freedom.

May Lucent prevail, may Lucent prevail.

The army parades toward the wagons and horses, ready for the battle ahead.

Leif falls into step with me, and I look him up and down, saying, "Micah would kill you if he knew you were coming."

"That would make two of us. Besides, I'm assigned to a different mission with Wel and a handful of new soldiers. We won't be near the battle."

"You care to tell me what you will be doing?"

Leif shakes his head. "Let's just hope I'm not needed tonight."

We reach my horse, where a stable hand waits to give me the reins.

"Hey, Elle." I look back at my best friend. "Please be careful."

The worry in his hazel eyes is like a knife to the heart. We don't know a world without the other in it, and I pray we never will. I put my arms around his neck and squeeze. "You're not getting out of marrying me this easily."

He chuckles and buries his face in my neck. "I love you."

"I love you too. I'll see you soon."

Leif nods and lets me go. "May the Statera bring you safely home, Your Grace."

"May the Statera protect you and your secret mission, Captain Stone."

I climb onto my horse, take one final look at my best friend, and merge with the soldiers heading for Stigian.