Michael

The emissary to Red River–the real one–isn’t anyone I recognize. He’s tall and pale blond, his red eyes gleaming in the brightly lit ballroom where he and his posse of royal Red River guards have gathered.

He scans the group before him–myself, my father, and my uncle, and smiles faintly, his lips parting just enough to see his fangs.

My dad paces, his footsteps echoing through the cavernous ballroom, and Uncle Lex looks murderous as he stands with his arms crossed and feet firmly braced apart.

“King Mattias sends his warm regards and gratitude for caring for his beloved daughter, Princess Faye, in his absence.”

“His absence is noted,”...