Prologue

Those startling blue eyes stared up innocent, unknowing into her mother’s face as she uttered the forbidden truth. “Mother,” she cupped her rosy cheek, as a mischievous smile flitted across her face, “I think this prophecy is about me.”

Melisandra’s heart stopped. This was going to change everything.

Quickly she clamped her hand across her daughter’s mouth causing her to flinch in pain. She hissed, “You will never utter those words again. Do you understand me?” The child’s eyes widened, clearly not comprehending and clearly seeking to know why? “The prophecy has already been answered. Our Queen attained her seat on the throne through its grace. To speak such selfish words puts your father and I in danger. If you ever speak such heresy again, you will be taken away and killed. You will never see your father and I again. You will be alone. Is that what you want?”

Bewildered the girl shook her head sending her black curls bouncing. Struggling to get free of her mother’s viselike grip, Riona tried to comfort her obviously disturbed parent, “I’m sorry Mommy. I won’t ever do it again. I promise!”

Snatching up her daughter’s hand, Melisandra walked swiftly up to the library where her husband was developing new forms of weaponry for the Queen. She slowed as she approached his stooped, scholarly form. Placing a hand on his shoulder Melisandra whispered, “Stian, my husband, do you trust me?”

He turned to study her face. Her beauty never ceased to astound him, yet he had never seen her features so twisted with alarm. “Yes,” he responded, “What must we do?”

“Leave,” she said, amazed at the strength she heard in her own voice, “Leave tonight.”