At the bridal shop, I saw fresh dark marks across my sister’s back. She whispered, “If I cancel, his father will ruin us.” I kissed her cheek and said, “Then we won’t cancel.” But by morning, the groom had no idea who was waiting at the aisle.

royalty.

Elian waited at the altar, smiling.

He thought the marks were hidden.

He thought Mara’s silence meant surrender.

He thought I stood in the second row because I had accepted defeat.

Then the doors opened.

Mara entered on our father’s arm, breathtaking in the same ivory gown. Her back was covered now, the fabric flawless, her face calm enough to frighten continue reading …