It had been the general's idea.As he slathered his toast with honey jam, Adrian didn't hate the idea any less now than when it was suggested.He had specifically called Seraphina that morning to ask if the rider had brought back the invitation.He was hoping he had.Instead, Seraphina merely responded, “No, he didn't. Maybe they'll like to attend.”As if. Adrian snorted.The only reason they might want to attend was if they could ruin something for him.Damned if he would give them the chance to try.“Still salty about the invitation?” the general asked with a chuckle.Adrian gave him a look as he responded, “Apparently they want to attend.”“See? If there's anything I have learnt from my...well, it's that second chances are not overrated,” General Charles said.“Second chance. That's what the idiot who pulled this wouldn't get. Have we found someone?” Caroline asked, gesturing with a bread knife.She had just arrived that morning, just before they sat down for breakfast.After she h

Vivian sneered. “Mind your business, shrew. You still think this is your house, huh? Since when did I have to take permission from you before bringing a...friend over?”Shrew. Surely an upgrade from being called mouse. Vivian was learning.Seraphina thought cheerfully, Vivian’s barb bouncing right off her.Still, she knew Vivian was at least half-lying. Apart from the pause in her statement, Vivian would rather jump off a roof than call someone who wore last-season hand-me-downs a friend.Still, whoever it was, her father must have known they were here.Seraphina had no intention of ruining her morning with wor

Already picturing Adrian's face when he found out, Caroline chuckled to herself as she drove up the industrial neighbourhood.It had been so long since she had gone anywhere without an escort.The joy of being away from duty for even a few days gave her such a thrill that she let her car window down.“I will not feel guilty about it. I deserve a break,” she reminded herself firmly.She cranked up the music player, humming along to “Get Up” by Tatian.She couldn't remember the last time she took leave.She had such a backlog of leave that if she decided to call it all in, she would probably have over twelve months altogether.She knew she wouldn't, though.Some might call it pride, but Caroline was almost certain the presidency office would get turned upside down if its chief of staff was out of commission for more than a few days.She still hated the reason behind her leaving this time, but she had decided to trust another for once.“Give him until after the engagement, at least,” she

A loud megaphone command ripped through the tense air even before two patrol cars rounded the corner.Caroline's relief didn't show in the stern glare she kept trained on the lady.“Drop the weapon!” came the command as doors slammed and police officers ducked while aiming their weapons.“Drop the gun now!”They were not running.Caroline was confused for a moment. The assailants were not running.They only stood in place as if they expected the police to pat them on the back.When Caroline's gun hand wavered, they simply moved closer to the car.“Stay back, I say!” she snapped.“Miss, don't force our hand. Drop that gun now,” the command came again.“Do your job and get them away from the car now! There's someone injured inside! They're delaying her treatment.” she retorted.She heard an officer making a call even as the lady before her shouted, “Don't listen to her, officer. She did

Then he quickly hurried towards Adrian. “Yes, he is, sir.” “It's just that our bodies repair more slowly as we age. His took a hit, sir, but with proper nourishment, his medication and enough rest, he will be back in top shape in no time.” Adrian wanted to believe that. He really wanted to. Still, dread only sank heavier into his chest, especially when Hex Lancaster's untimely demise chose that moment to pop into his mind. His hand clamped on the doctor's shoulder. “You don't want to lie to me, Doc,” he said gravely. Dr Trent swallowed hard as he responded, “I... I wouldn't dare, sir.” “Good.” Adrian nodded. He tossed a glance towards the general's suite before turning away. “Come with me,” he tossed at the doctor. “Yes, sir.” Adrian hurried towards the entire basement dedicated to the care of the soldiers. The general had constructed it as an ode to the active war days, when timely care could make the difference between a fighter losing his life or limbs. Now, all the resi