Chapter 43

The strident ringing of bells had Gunner rolling from Sofia and pulling up his pants. Never rush out into possible danger without trousers. It was distracting.

As he prepped himself, he held off from swearing about the poor timing of the bells. Then again, he'd kind of been expecting them. His luck wouldn't let him down.

"What's happening?" she asked, doing her own squirm under the sheets as she struggled to get her gown over her head.

"Something's wrong."

"Obviously," she grumbled, sliding out of the bed.

The fabric covered her body down to her ankles, and yet she looked beautiful. Her hair tumbled around her shoulders. He reached for her, needing to hold her.

The door to the room slammed open, startling a cry from Sofia. A pair of guards entered, one of them opening his mouth. "The king said - "