Rambaldi was taken aback by the princess’ attitude. “I’m Rambaldi,” he told her. “Just Rambaldi, as I already said. I apologize, Princess Ember, I didn’t realize. I’m afraid I haven’t paid much attention to Dawnshire as of late.” His chest throbbed. “I’m sure you mean much more than just my name, so to be frank, I’m the son of the Storm Queen of the Shores and the Dane King. Seeing as you’re the daughter of Dawnshire’s betas, I suspect you probably have an issue with that.” The admission hung heavy on his heart. His mother was said to be a monster, and things were only going to get worse for her from here on out, with Cato making alliances and proclaiming her a dictator. She professed it was fine, and Rambaldi was too saddened to argue with her. This princess was not going to be happy with him. Wow, the world really was f u c k e d up, wasn’t it? If Irina had just stayed out of this, none of this would have happened. But her loyalties . . . she wasn’t one to break a vow. Her tryst with Beartooth had been as good as one. Maybe he should pay a visit to his father; he hadn’t seen him in a long time.

“One last breath ‘til the tears start to wither!”