The road is smooth under the wheels of the limousine, unhindered by bumps or potholes. Not that I’d know much about either. I’ve been surrounded by the absolute best from the moment I came out of the womb. Artisan furniture made of quality wood and fine leather. Enough jewelry to match every hue of nail polish in existence. Collections of the latest couture—a wardrobe large enough to need its own wing.

It took several chests to contain even a tenth of my clothing. Uncle Rowan said he’d send the rest at a later date. In the meantime, he promised a shopping spree with my ladies after we settle on Zodiac Island. Maybe if I weren’t visiting the small nation in metaphorical chains, the prospect of new clothing and jewels would excite me.

“It’s so beautiful,” Elise says, awe dripping from her tone as we pull between the iron gates of the estate that houses all twelve members of the Brotherhood. Eyes widening with excitement, she pushes her wispy blond bangs to the side to get a better look.

The castle-like structure sits atop a hillside. Arched mullion windows line the floors in neat, perfect rows, charming those who gaze upon the estate. It really is a gorgeous place, down to the ivory stonework. I can’t help but turn away from the sight with a sickness in the pit of my gut.

“It looks like a prison,” Faye gripes, her fuchsia-hued lips forming a scowl. Her words echo my thoughts.

Elise glances my way, rose coloring her cheeks, baby blues deepening with an apology. “I’m sorry. That was an insensitive thing to say.”

“Don’t apologize for appreciating beautiful architecture.” I cross my right ankle over my left. “All we can do is make the best of the situation.”

“It’s so unfair,” Faye complains in a harsh whisper. “You shouldn’t have to go through this.”

None of us should.

Though she didn’t say the words, they flit through my mind anyway. It’s what she meant, but as one of my ladies, she’s been trained to put me first, to push aside her personal thoughts, feelings, and opinions in favor of my wants and needs.

Elise is ecstatic at the prospect of landing a husband on Zodiac Island. But Faye is here against her wishes, as am I. She was forced to leave the love of her life with the expectation that she marry above her station—an opportunity not gifted to many servants.

As we roll down the long driveway, trees rustle in the breeze on either side in blankets of grass. The lawns are lush and green from the abundant rain for which Zodiac Island is famous. Just behind the towering estate and past the cliffs, I spy the ocean. That endless stretch of water is the only thing that brightens this reality for me.