That Was No Prince: She Fooled The Xyiom King

They called it an honor.

I knew it was a death sentence.



Every year, the Xyioms demand a tribute.

One human. Bound. Branded. Broken.



But I didn’t wait to be chosen.

I volunteered. Disguised in stolen armor, hidden behind a name that isn’t mine.



Why?

Because I’m done running.

Because I’ve seen what they do to the weak.

Because if I was going to fall, I’d fall on my own terms.



But the beast king—Khael—doesn’t want another servant.

He wants control. He wants devotion.

And somehow, he wants *me*.



He doesn’t know what I am.

Yet.



And if he ever finds out…

Will he kill me?

Or crown me?