The girl wouldn’t last the year. Girls like her were soft and easy to break. Lowborns always wanted glory until they realized the hard work it entailed. Darren had worked hard for everything, and a girl who tried to take that away? Well, she wasn’t worth very much.

Because a person couldn't ever be good and evil at once. Little girl, don't you know? The world is made up of shades of grey.

Darren wasn’t darkness, and I wasn’t his light.

If I weren't struggling, if I weren't keeled over in agony, if my muscles weren't screaming at the end of a long day...then I wasn't trying hard enough.

If he chooses combat I'll wipe that arrogant sneer off his face the first chance I get.

You, you are a cockroach. No matter how many times we tried to get rid of you, you kept finding a way to scuttle your way back. And as much as I don’t like you, well, you are persistent. And even I can admire you that.

Perhaps the gods will surprise us and it will be neither.”“A true tragedy.”“Of epic proportions.” “Two longstanding rivals.”“And only one robe to bear.”“Who will win?” Darren’s tone was wry. “The handsome prince?”I grinned. “Or his valiant betrothed?

And they told me to keep watch over a ‘lady.’” I couldn’t help but smirk. A lady. I lunged and defeated her guard. I was a war mage.

I had trained my whole life as a warrior. But in that moment I was the damsel-in-distress.