"Azrel?"

Azrel stopped looking at his changed form and saw that he was alone again save for one dark-haired girl; she held her hand to him. He tried to remember if they had met before.

"I am a monster." He shied away from her but she stepped closer regardless.

"Azrel take my hand." She spoke with the voice of a thousand women before her. Being close to her made him feel more at ease. He felt human again.

"Please?" She spoke softly and he felt his heart buckle for her.

He reached for her hand feeling like he might crush her with his new claws. When they touched, he felt calm for the first time since he was a child.

***

Anaya and Azrel are hiding secrets. She is a spy for the rebels against her own will. He has a new power that changes him into a beastly creature. Posing as siblings, their love becomes another secret they bare. Together they must find a way to save the kingdom and each other. 

Spoils of War is created by Jo Thromby, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

Spoils of War

“Princess, any thoughts on the matter?” The royal coordinator spoke up. 


Anaya tried her best not to sigh in a tone that suggested she was bored. 


The feast hall had been repurposed to hold all the preparation for her wedding with Khanthar. In one corner was her half-finished dress. On the table lay paper after paper of designs, some scribbled out or crumpled up completely.


“Could you repeat your question?” Anaya brought her attention back to the coordinator and her handmaidens. 


“Oh, of course princess.” The royal coordinator raised an eyebrow at her but repeated himself. 


Anaya tried to listen with a half foggy mind. She had postponed planning as long as she could and now she was paying for it. Long nights and even longer days were spent looking over every scrutinizing detail of the wedding cake flavors, tapestry commissions, food for before and after, dress swatches. 


“What is your opinion on table cloth material?” Anaya sighed, rubbing between her eyes. 


Chapter 32: The Wedding Preperation