Page 121 of Kingdom of Betrayal and Unknown

That would put my life at risk. It’s not worth it. The pain will be all right until I can talk with Kieran about it.

“Let me know if you need me to do anything,” Mother offers, shocking me. “I don’t understand why they need to strike when you make a mistake. That is no way for you to learn. It will only distract you.”

“I know.” I sigh as I dip my hand into the cold water from where the ice melted earlier.

It makes no sense, but I don’t have a say in it. It’s up to the prince what Hilga does.

“When is Prince Archie going to ask you to marry him?” Mother asks.

I stand still and take a deep breath. This is the most she has talked to me since Father died. What was going on?

“Did he visit you while I was gone?” I finally turn around.

There she is, sitting at the table, sewing a pair of pants. “No, but I know he has been trying to court you for a while. I am only curious.”

I shake my head. “He alluded to it the other day, but Skylar told him to wait several months because of Father⁠—”

I take a deep breath in, pause, and slowly let it out.

“I don’t think I’m going to say yes when he asks,” I mumble more to myself. “I don’t like him. I want nothing to do with him. I don’t think I’ll ever love him. Skylar would be a better fit.”

“Remember what Avira said. Maybe you should say yes and make a couple of appearances,” Mother suggests. “Just something to think about.”

Nodding, I can’t say anything. Mother saw my side before with not wanting to marry the prince and now all of the sudden she is agreeing that I should. That isn’t her.

“I’m going to go change,” I mutter, walking past her.

CHAPTER 36

Running.

My legs pump faster as I race through the forest, dodging trees and bushes.

“Get back here!” someone yells, their voice distorted from the wind rushing past my ears.

Fear courses through my body with each step I take, getting bigger and bigger as I hear the person gaining on me.

Please.

“Adeline Duvall! You are under arrest for⁠—”

But I don’t let his words stop me. I continue pushing my legs past their limit as I make my way through the forest, trying to find Kieran so he can save me. I need to find him. He is my only hope right now.

“Kieran!” I scream, tears running down my face as a branch slices into my arm. “Kieran!”

“Stop, Adeline!” the man shouts again. “You are under arrest!”

But I still don’t stop. They aren’t going to catch me. I’m going to find Kieran, and he is going to protect me like he said he would.

“Kieran!” I scream once more, hoping someone will hear me and tell Kieran I’m looking for him.

I groan in pain as I run straight into a hard chest, falling on my ass as I bounce back. When I look up at who I just ran into, my shoulders relax when I see Kieran.

“A guard.” I heave a breath in, filling my lungs with the air they desperately need. “After me.”

But Kieran just looks at me. What is he doing? Why is he just staring at me like he doesn’t know me?

“Kieran,” I beg, getting up off the ground. “Take me away. Save me.”