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I took a deep breath, atte mountain castle with Bastien because, well, I’d had no choice but to come with him Even if I hadn’t sprained my ankle I’d have been lucky to survive an hour onso coet back to my family I need to know that Grace and Heath are alive

"But ould the hunters agree to spare them?" I asked "Spare any of them at all?"

"Perhaps their intentions for our realm are more pernicious," Bastien whispered back "Perhaps they do not seek to siain… a foothold Control At least, where they can"

"But your cousin, he gave you the crown He said you could rule"

Bastien smiled bitterly "Did you really see truth in his eyes when he said that?"

"No," I admitted "But… don’t you have any friends here? Any alliances at all ould stand against your cousin and uncle? After all, you are the rightful ruler after your father"

Pain flashed in Bastien’s eyes "I’m sure that I do But it is too risky to try to communicate with such persons now We do not have the time If my suspicions are correct, I pose a threat to both my cousin and uncle, as well as the hunters’ influence over this place They will not give "

My head spun "They would kill you?" I whispered

"They already tried," Bastiento do?"

He paused, releasing a slow breath "We need to leave, once darkness falls"

Victoria

Leave and go where? I wondered, but he did not give ainstme out of the closet