“I am a Navy officer, Alexander,” I said. “A locked door is not going to stop me.”

“The King’s investigators are already searching the lower levels,” Alexander said. “We must go now.”

My mother gripped my sleeve.

“Be careful, Emily,” she pleaded. “She is not the sister you remember. She will do anything to keep that money.”

“I know,” I said, kissing her forehead. “Stay here. The guards will protect you.”

I stood up and looked at Alexander.

“Lead the way,” I said.

We walked out of the cold room and back into the grand hallway.

The palace was eerily quiet now, the wedding guests dismissed to the outer courtyards.

Our footsteps echoed against the marble walls as we hurried toward the royal living quarters.

“If Alaric finds out about the trust, he will void the marriage contract immediately,” Alexander said as we walked.

“He should,” I said. “Your family name shouldn’t be a shield for a thief.”

“I agreed to this marriage because I believed she wanted to do good,” Alexander murmured. “She spoke of charity. Of building schools.”