Amara took everything in as she walked along the perimeter of the crowd: from the trees and waterway, to the other buildings that surrounded the palace, to the palace itself, noting the architecture and window style, should she need to climb.

At the front doors, the crowd narrowed and slowed down. A line was formed, one for allowing people entrance into the palace, one for the exit. Guards stood at the doors and along the hallway inside, at least from what she could see from where she stood.

Amara sighed and waited her turn to enter. Time passed, and the crowd shuffled forward. The fountain splashed, a pleasant sound amidst the talk of the people. The sun moved overhead, momentarily blocked by a cloud, then reappeared.

Then it was her turn to enter.

She stepped past the guards into a vast entryway. Everything was white, from the walls to the floor to the formal attire worn by the guards. The only color was from stained-glass windows high above, with images of previous lords and ladies of House Luceras etched in the glass.

People whispered and pointed at the glass. Yes, she was right. They were here partly to catch a glimpse of Palace Levellon.

It was a short walk from the entryway, down a wide corridor, to the main audience chamber. Just as the crowd reached the doors, three guards stepped in front of the people and held out their arms. Behind them, men and women dressed in lavish dark clothing exited the chamber.

Amara craned her neck to catch a glimpse of those exiting as she pressed her back against the wall in order not to be jostled. There were at least twenty people between her and the guards, but she could still see who was leaving.

She went up on her tiptoes to get a better view. It looked like the people departing the hall were members of lesser houses taking their leave from the viewing.

Then someone caught her eye. A woman with long black hair with a blue sheen to it.

Her body stiffened and a tingling spread across her limbs.

Selene.

Her traitorous sister who ran off, leaving her to pick up the mess Selene left behind. To try to fulfill their mother’s demands. To protect their little sister, Opheliana.

Anger, jealousy, and hatred twisted like snakes inside her gut as she watched her sister exit the audience chamber. Amara clenched her hands, her chest so tight she couldn’t breathe. She could barely keep her eyes on her sister as a red haze filled her vision.

No, I will not lose control.

She took a deep breath in, loosening her hands one finger at a time. Then she noticed the man walking beside Selene as they turned and headed down the corridor in the opposite direction of the crowd. Dark hair, slightly taller than Selene, dressed in the blue colors of House Maris.

Her target: Lord Damien.

She stared at him, her jaw set. He was here. The one man who could solidify her position with her mother and House Ravenwood. All she needed to do now was take the next two days to plan out her attack.