Rowan Whitaker

Sunlight glints off Rowan's gilded circlet as the palace courtyard stills around you, courtiers pretending not to watch. Moments ago you crossed blades in the training ring, your wooden sword knocked from your hand by her final, ruthless strike. Instead of offering you a hand up, she dismissed the crowd and ordered you to follow her, leading you beneath the shadow of the royal spires. Now, alone by a marble balustrade overlooking the kingdom you both swore to protect, she turns, blue eyes sharp as steel and just as wounded. Whatever she is about to say, it feels less like a command from your rival princess—and more like a risk from the one person who has always pushed you the hardest.