PROLOGUE
The Nefyrian System
Twenty years ago…
Deep in the shadows, Qylar watched from the edges of the ballroom, his gaze trailing Cryss on the dance floor. Cryss’s parents were once again doing their damnedest to find a royal match for their son. There had already been two failed engagements. How many more would they suffer? Qylar had lost track of how many princesses and princelings they’d foisted on Cryss that night alone, their desperation so thick it was cloying.
“That should be you out there.”
Qylar glanced over his shoulder at Lord Libault. The man stood near, watching those on the dance floor.
“No thank you,” Qylar said. “I’m quite happy where I find myself now.”
“You prefer servitude toPrince Cryssover being one yourself?”
Qylar’s jaw tightened. He knew Libault was simply pushing his buttons. “As you well know, Cryss isnota prince. No more than I am.”
They’d both lost their rights to that title. One through war, the other through family ruin.
“Had Krythar not won and deposed Cryss’s grandfather, hewouldbe a prince today. Luckily for his family, House Kreegl is still quite formidable—even after their defeat. Cryss lives a better life than some princes on this planet.” Libault smiled. “As do you, at his side.”
“I live a very basic life, I assure you.”
“Basic?”Libault scoffed. “You live in a castle. You’re served fine meals every day and are dressed better than many. From what I’ve heard, you were educated by the same tutor as Cryss, too. If I lived as you do, I might not miss my crown, either.”
Qylar ignored the comment.
“Although, you’ll never get any farther than you are now. Being Cryss’s errand boy will be the best you can ever be.”
“Better that than the life I might’ve had.”
Lord Libault chuckled to himself. “There are some who speculate that Cryss keeps ruining his engagements because he has demandedyoube his mate.”
Qylar rolled his eyes. He’d heard the rumors himself and ignored them. Cryss was his best friend. More like a brother, if truth be told. “We’re not lovers, if that’s what you’re insinuating.” He shook his head, not sure why he didn’t simply walk away from their conversation. It clearly wasn’t going to be fruitful. “Even if we were more than that, his parents wish to align him with apowerful royal line. Not only did I lose my titleandhouse, but my bloodline is tainted beyond repair.”
“Crysscanbe persuasive. I don’t know too many nine-year-olds who could convince their powerful father to make a ten-year-old friend his steward,”Lord Libault laughed.“His steward,of all things. It’s ridiculous—and so very humiliating for you. A beggared child accepting the duke’s charity in a position far outside possibility.”
Qylar winced inwardly. “I’ve shadowed the Duke’s steward for years, preparing for the day Cryss has his own household. I take my role seriously and do my best to repay their kindness by protecting their son.” He turned to eye Cryss on the dance floor. “I’ll continue to do that until my dying day.”
“Get real. You’re the highest paid plaything in Nefyrian history.”
“Plaything?”Qylar asked, rolling his eyes. “I suppose that makes sense to someone who’s never had a true friend.” He searched Libault up and down. “But then, who would wish to be the friend of a man only out for himself?”
Lord Libault smiled. “I came to you in hopes of saving my brother. Does that sound like a man only out for himself?”
Qylar frowned. “I’m sure whatever you have in mind benefits you in some way.”
“Do youreallythink your entire family should be left to rot in the mines for the rest of their days?”
Qylar glanced at Lord Libault. “If there’s any justice, yes.”
“Your poor papa? He deserves to waste away there?”
Qylar’s breath caught. He’d loved his papa dearly and still struggled to reconcile the man he’d known with the truth. “He’s a monster, just like the rest of them.”
“He was no more the cause than you were,” Lord Libault said. “I know my brother’s heart. This was not him.”
Qylar turned away, sickened. He watched the dancers, again focusing on Cryss amid the crowded space. “There used to be opulent galas like this one held in House Zyven. Do you remember?”
