Just looking at it causes an unpleasant spasm in my heart. Hopelessness overwhelms me as I fall back onto my soft mattress.

My fingers tingle and twitch as I resist the urge to use my powers.

As a princess of the Day Realm, it’s fitting that fire resides in my body. I hold the power of the sun in my hands. I could light this palace up anytime I wanted, but it would mean destroying the only home I’ve ever known and putting countless people in harm’s way.

And so I stay here, waiting for my meals to be brought to me by my personal servant. Kalla draws a bath for me once a day and helps me change my clothes. It’s a good thing, too—I simply don’t have the motivation to take care of myself.

The only thing I have to look forward to is Zephina’s return from our monthly trade deal with the Night Realm.

Four years ago, that became my job; attend the trade to ensure a fair transaction. The two rival realms had agreed a member from each royal family would go as collateral. Just in case anything went wrong. I, being the youngest of three siblings, was the obvious choice.

Once a month, I traveled to Dawn and Dusk, an enchanted strip of land between Night and Day. Being neutral territory, it was the perfect place to meet up.

A bittersweet smile plays on my lips when I remember the first time I saw the great and mighty King Keryth. It was literally love at first sight. For both of us.

One look, and we knew we were fated mates.

But I was only seventeen. Too young to enter into a mating bond.

So we were patient, and our courtship was pure. Stealing innocent moments. Exchanging longing glances. Getting to know each other.

Keryth surprised me with lavish gifts—jewels, Night Realm flowers, and stardust from the mountains by the Dream Realm. And I gave him gallons of day water, a precious resource for a kingdom where the sun never rises. When mixed with stardust, it creates a glowing light that can last for years.

Most importantly of all, we gave each other promises. So many promises to marry, to have children, to rule the Night Realm together.

It felt like the longest courtship ever, but when I was finally twenty-one, we thought the wait was over.

Oh, how wrong we were.

I still recall the anger and confusion on Keryth’s face when he was told I’d been promised to someone else, which was shocking news to me. Apparently, one of our Councilmen lost a wife in the plague, and my father had arranged a marriage without my consent.

I’d rather die than be some stuffy noble’s replacement, and I said those exact words that day.