Grabbing Dido by both arms, the prince pushed his bride up against the palace’s wall. Her feet dangled above the floor. She wrested in his grip.

“Unhand me!” Dido shouted.

“Make me, milady. I know you can. You could hurl me through the roof. Do it and put on a show for the guards and the guests and the press gathered for our procession to All Spirits Church,” Swenn hissed back. “The Royal Scientists will have lots of questions for you. And your sister.”

For the first time anger bled from her face. The sudden fear in her eyes undid him. Slowly Swenn lowered Dido to the ground. They trembled. He sagged. Arms wrapped around his neck, Dido drew him to her.

Inside of their nest of lies and machinations this feeling whatever it was, was true.

“Swenn I love—“

Dressed in his full wedding regalia, the Scion of the ruling family kissed the schoolteacher in her traveler’s cloak. Hot moments of hands and lips followed. Suddenly the prince pulled away, grabbed Dido’s hand, and began running. Confused yet committed, she ran with him wherever he took her. Swenn tossed her into a waiting carriage and ordered the footman to drive out of the city.

“I knew myself, made plans for my future. Until you, my Lady. You ripped my life to shreds, now I’m returning the favor.”