A death that wasn’t what it seemed ... A kidnapping that isn’t what it seems ... Time is running out.<br><br>The morning after his wedding night, Prince Marcelo thought he’d be embarking on a journey to his own personal fairytale happily ever after with his husband Efren, the crown prince of Zioneven. But when news arrives indicating his sister’s death wasn’t as accidental as previously thought, that journey becomes fraught with danger.<br><br>Enmeshed in political intrigue, death, and a kidnapping that might not be what it seems, will Efren untangle the web of misleading clues in time to save the na?ve young man he’s already come to admire? Or will Marcelo dig deep to discover a previously untapped inner strength and determination to facilitate his own survival?

The Best-Laid Plans

“We are on our return journey to Zioneven, and our camp was attacked in the night. Prince Marcelo has been abducted and we’re tracking his captors to recover him.” Efren paused for emphasis before making his plea. “We, and your own queen, would greatly appreciate your cooperation and any information you can provide that might lead to the recovery of her son.”


The woman’s eyes widened as Efren spoke. “I’m sorry, Your Highness. Yes, there was a wagon traveling south this morning that caught my attention.”


“In what way, ma’am?” Denis asked. “What was unusual about this wagon?”


“Most of the traffic that comes by is regional farmers, and there’s more that I don’t personally know, but I recognize them as some that go by on occasion. Of course, there’s always some I don’t know at all—travelers like yourselves that were part of that group yesterday—so that’s not curious on its own.”


Chapter 19