VRYA

Fascinating, isn’t it, how often heroic and foolish turn out to be one and the same.

It was ridiculous and unflattering in every way. Cath loved it immediately.

They were all a little mad, if one was to be forthright.

‘Well,’ she said, trying to push her thoughts back to‍

Cath curled her fingers into her gown and thought of the stories she’d heard as a child. Fairy tales in which the beast was slain, its monstrous head cut clean from its shoulders like a gruesome trophy.

‘Off with its head,’ she w

ther favours!’

Her mother sneered. ‘Then you are a fool.’

‘Good. I’ve become rather fond of fools.’

‘That is enough!’ roared the Marquess.

Catheri

If I am not to have happiness, let me at least have a purpose. Let me give you the heart of a queen.’

She watched him swallow, fe

mother’s side, an arm around her shoulders. They both looked so delighted, so proud.

Cath felt like she didn’t even know them.

Her gaze

ached even her own ears, she saw the brightness enter his eyes. ‘Over everything, I choose you.’

He grinned and moved towards the stairs.

est tipped his hat, letting the bells tinkle around his face. ‘Everyone always underestimates the idiot.’

Hatta waved

.

Jest.

Mutilated. Severed. Dead.

She took one step forwa