Splinters & Secrets - Descendants of the Fire Tree, #0.5

Living along the fae and human border comes with many hardships, but lately Brendalyn Ellingboe's days have been merciless. The history between the shapeshifters and humans is stained with blood, but not all perils come from outside Crim's castle walls. The king's health steadily declines and Prince Alder's affection waivers between loyal friendship and something more. The pressure which Brendalyn Ellingboe must carry upon her shoulders is immense.
As if navigating Crim's tumultuous kingdom weren't enough, the weight of her father's unspoken words wedge a splinter of doubt into Bren's heart. Trust and love should remain entwined but what if in order to keep the one you love safe you must spare them with a lie? This secret may be the first splinter before Bren's world shatters into pieces. Splinters & Secrets is a mini novella which sets the stage for the events that occur in The Breaking of Brendalyn Ellingboe.