Shadow Empire is the sequel to 'Ice & Fire, and the final book in the "Fate Of The Crown" duology.
If you haven't read the first book yet, please read do read it before proceeding to this book.
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She had been through hell for so many times now...
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"Do you know what his plans are?"
"No." Lisa regretfully responded to Lord August, who for the first time, finally had the chance to come see her.
It wasn't easy to visit her, a simple conversation would create suspicions towards the elite's loyalty. They had to be careful, even more so with this current situation. They didn't want to complicate Lisa's situation even more by getting caught conniving with the former queen.
"We're still trying to secure your escape. We've been in contact with Lord Vince and he's working hard on scouting a place where we could keep everyone safe. We don't know who to trust, but we are wary and we're getting close."
Lisa looked down on her palms, keeping quiet as Lord August reports to her. She didn't want to disappoint them once she explain the situation. That she is now tied to the king's bargain and she vowed to herself that she will not run away this time. And with the bargain she just made...
"I can't runaway..." she told him, lifting up her chin to meet the lords confused gaze.
"Why?"
"I made a bargain...with the king."
Lord August run a hand on his mouth, pacing back and forth at the sound of the word bargain.
"What kind of bargain? Your freedom? My queen, this isn't freedom."
"I know."
"Then why?"
"I did it so I could stop slavery and protect our kingdom. That was my condition...in exchange to being his champion."
"His champion? What does that even mean?"
"I don't know, but he... he wants to train me. My powers."
Lord August went still, as if his soul left his body. "He wants to weaponize you." he whispered in realization.
"My queen, that's all the more reason to run away. We cannot let him use you under his control. You will not be the subject of this puppetry. This is clearly a show of power, he wants to declare how powerful he is. He wants to be invincible."
'He already is' , she thought.
Lisa was glad she didn't mention the king's ability to connect with her, a link that somehow connects them—she didn't want to worry them further. And maybe there's a part of her that was ashamed, being tied to the king's bargain was one thing, being connected to him in a way she could not explain was another. Or maybe it was her pride, for she belongs to no one but herself.
She was too distracted with her thoughts when she felt lord August getting down on one knee before her and slowly taking her hand resting atop her knee.
