Page 9 of Dark Princess Ascending

"You can escape for a little bit when you feel like you can't take it anymore, but don't overdo it." Lusha's tone was serious. "You can't show fear by running away from your own house. Immortals are predators, and when they sniff fear, they pounce."

Marina frowned. "Really? Because that wasn't my impression. Everyone I meet is nice to me. Butthen I'm not marrying their son, so they don't have skin in the game."

Lusha laughed. "That's because you are not afraid of them. You are the mate of a well-liked Guardian who has just been promoted to head a new division. No one would dare to mess with you."

"Well, that's not true. The Kra-ell?—"

"Marina." Lusha gripped her shoulders, meeting her eyes. "I know you're nervous, but you need to snap out of it. You didn't kidnap Peter or put a gun to his head, forcing him to marry you. He chose you, and his mother needs to respect his choice. If she has any brains in her head, she will realize that you are the one who holds real power here, and that antagonizing you might cost her the relationship she has with her son."

"I would never?—"

"I know that." Lusha's eyes softened. "You are a sweetheart. But Peter's mother doesn't know, and as long as you project confidence, she will be afraid to try anything and will be on her best behavior."

What Lusha was saying actually made a lot of sense. Bullies went after those they deemed weak.

Marina took a shaky breath. "When did you get so smart?"

"I've always been wise. You've just been too busy cleaning to notice." Lusha winked. "Now goget ready. And wear that blue dress—the one that makes you look like you could command armies."

"I don't have an army-commanding dress."

"Trust me, you do. Blue dress, subtle makeup, and those pearl earrings Peter gave you. Once I've done your hair, you will look like a boss lady."

Marina snorted. "A blue-haired boss?"

"Why not?"

Why not, indeed?

5

MORELLE

The aroma of coffee and something sweet and buttery greeted Morelle and Brandon as they emerged from their bedroom in the morning. Following the enticing scents, they found Jasmine in the kitchen, wearing an apron and sliding brown circular things onto plates.

"Good morning!" Jasmine beamed at them. "Come and enjoy a breakfast worthy of kings, or as it may be, a prince, a princess, and an honorable councilman."

"Good morning. Those smell delicious," Morelle said. "What are they called?"

"Pancakes," Jasmine said.

"That makes sense. Cakes that are made in a pan." Morelle took a seat at the table. "Pan cakes."

"Try to say that as one word. I wonder if the translation earpieces will pick up on that."

"Pancakes."

Jasmine grinned. "Perfect. It's amazing how smart these things are, given the tiny chip that powers them."

"Would you like some coffee?" Ell-rom asked.

"Yes, please."

He poured her a cup from the carafe and another one for Brandon. "I feel bad about Jasmine doing all the cooking. I told her that I want to learn to cook so we can take turns."

"We should all learn," Brandon said. "I know how to make coffee and order takeout, but since I've moved into the village, takeout is not an option."

"What's takeout?" Morelle asked.