CHAPTER 1: HEIST.MAX'S POV. "Hurry up already!"Turning to the left, I glared at the one grumbling at me, holding back from saying a word I considered vulgar at the time. "Why don't you come zap the door open with some jolts of electricity, Zack? I bet you wouldn't mind spending the next five years in the sovereignty's prison if we get caught breaking into one of their properties.""Well, just be a little faster," Zack responded."Would you just shut the hell up and let him do what he does best?" Quin retorted frustratedly. "The only reason I let you on this job is because of what I owe you. Don't make me wish I shouldn't have.""Okay. Fine. My lips are sealed," Zack replied, speaking no further.Finally, there was some quiet. Focusing, I typed on my mini keyboard, which projected from my wrist watch like a hologram. It was an AI-powered gadget. Zack yawned, nonverbally communicating that I was taking long, but I ignored him. What a jerk he was. After a little while, we heard a c

CHAPTER 3: NIGHT OF PERILS.MAX'S POV.Bewildered, I beheld a sight that shattered my heart into a thousand pieces. My girlfriend was bent over on her knees, and banged from behind by who I'd never imagine she'd do such a thing with- Zack. I thought he was out celebrating with Quin and Chloe. "Julia!" I yelled in anger. Stunned, the duo turned quickly in my direction. Seeing I was the one, Julia smiled and resumed bouncing on Zack's erect and rigid penis, making sure a got a clear view of her ass as it giggled. Her moans were a direct mockery of me. I couldn't remember what it felt like making love to my own girlfriend. But there she was, giving what was mine to someone else. Was it even mine, though?"You can come join in, Max. I'm not selfish," Zack smiled, grabbing Julia by the waist as he began thrusting in and out of her forcefully. Despite the loud music, I could hear the sound of his impact against Julia's jiggling butt. Consumed with rage, I walked over and punched him on

CHAPTER 5: AT THE BETROTHAL CEREMONY.A man accompanied by a Sovereign guard walked hastily through the hallways of the Sovereign's hold. He nodded, greeting some of the officials who were standing and those who were up and about at the hold. It was a busy day at the hold.He got to a section of the palace and walked to a twelve-foot door. On each side of the door stood a soldier, dressed in navy blue uniforms and armed, looking well-groomed. He went ahead to knock on the door. "My Lady? It is time." After a short while of getting no response, he knocked again. "Lady Raika. It's time." Once again, there was no response. Lord Keefe went ahead to push open the door and walk into the Princess's chamber. He met her absence. "Where is she? Where is the Princess?" he asked the soldiers who stood guard by her door. They looked confusedly at Lord Keefe. "After she returned from lunch, she hasn't left her chambers, my lord," one of the soldiers said. "Well, she isn't in her chambers, is

CHAPTER 7: INCIDENT AT THE BETROTHAL CEREMONY.RAIKA'S POV.Standing close to Percy, we waltzed to a soft ballad that the band played. It was so beautifully played that I'd have rather sat and listened to it, but I was obligated to do otherwise.I was impressed at how good Percy had gotten since the last time I ever witnessed him dancing, but it wasn't with me, though. It was with that cheeky, self-absorbed Megan. I was glad she and the other kids of the Barons weren't here. But there was escaping her as long as we were all expected to resume training at the academy the next day. What a grueling task it would be to deal with her crap. But what the hell.As we danced, speaking no words to each other, I caught sight of a couple of unfriendly faces I recognized. I couldn't help but stare anytime I had the opportunity to, as I waltzed, furrowing my brow."Is everything okay?" Percy asked. "Yeah. Everything is okay," I replied, cracking a mild smile, trying to hide my concern. It felt li

CHAPTER 9: COUNCIL OF BARONS. The atmosphere at the Sovereign's hold was quite tense. Events of the previous night caused the Sovereign to tighten security at the hold. Although activities went on as usual, there was a renewed sense of alertness by everyone, especially the guards. Along the massive hallways, footsteps could be heard as Lord Julius made his way to the hall of council. The Sovereign had called for a council meeting with the Barons earlier that day at dawn. As he got to the door, the sovereign guards bowed, and the steel red doors slid into the wall to the left and the right automatically, sensing his presence. He didn't as much as nod in acknowledgement to the salutation of the guards. He ignored them and walked in.Up ahead at the round table, he saw lord Castor and lord Kole chit-chatting. They seemed rather at ease. "What are you two so engrossedly talking about?" lord Julius asked, pulling out a seat among the four empty seats at the majestically crafted table.