For some girls, age eighteen is the magical age of freedom and independence. For Aerys, turning eighteen means an arranged marriage to a man she's never met before, leaving the only home she's ever known, and accidentally discovering things she never knew about the world, about her family, and about herself, things that have been lurking beneath the surface all along. However, each new discovery brings new questions with it, and the answers could lead in some very dangerous directions. She and her fiancé, Dmitri, must decide whether or not to find the answers to these questions and what to do with the knowledge they gain. To change the game instead of living by others' rules, they must look beyond what they see.

Look Beyond What You See

<p>"Rise and shine, Aerys," a velvet voice murmurs in my ear, causing me to reluctantly swim out of the warm dark bliss of the best sleep I can remember. Warm flickering flames greet my gaze as I struggle to open my eyes. Around the flames, sharp beams of brilliant dawn pierce into my consciousness and I draw my eyelids closed against them. A warm chuckle, and then a warmer hand on my face over my eyes. "You can open your eyes now. This should make it easier." I slowly comply with his instructions. So considerate. How did I get so lucky?</p>

<p>"Thanks," I mumble as my eyes adjust. Why did we have to wake up? Last night could have lasted forever and it still would not have been long enough. Forgiveness and reconciliation brought about such happiness for both of us that the idea of facing the rest of the world again is absolutely abhorrent.</p>

Chapter 55 Giacomo