I imagine Jace getting into one of the SUVs, driving through town, back along the coast, arriving at the airport, flying back over the ocean. Arriving back home. I wonder what his new house is like. I never asked. His new coach, his new teammates? They felt like details I would learn one day. Now? They’ll forever be a mystery.

The door opens again. I have no idea how much time has passed since it closed.

“Your Highness?” Anne asks, glancing around the room. “Are you—oh.” She stops speaking when she sees me sitting on the floor. “Your interview is supposed to start in ten minutes, but I’ll, uh, let them know you aren’t feeling well.”

I’ve never seen Anne look so uncomfortable. I wonder what my face looks like.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I snap, standing and pasting on a neutral expression. “Let’s go.” Jace did his part. The least I can do is follow through on my end. He deserves to move on with his life without further reminders of me.

Anne looks skeptical, but doesn’t protest as I walk out of the room and down the hallway toward the media room. I enter the cavernous room ahead of her. All chatter ceases. I hear heels clacking as Anne hurries after me. I take a seat in the chair Jace occupied earlier and lean forward into the microphone. “Hello, everyone.”

Anne hurriedly takes a seat beside me. “Hello again. We’re running ahead of schedule for once, so we can get started whenever you’re all ready to.”

The questions come immediately, and I let Anne field them for me. Most of them are the same ones Jace was asked, and I paid close enough attention to his responses I’m able to mirror them almost exactly. Approval radiates from Anne as the press grows increasingly bored by my nonchalant answers.

The topic shifts to my upcoming wedding. Anne announces Charles and I will be giving a joint interview in three weeks with a prominent Marcedenian network. It’s news to me, but I keep my face neutral as I dodge questions about the flowers and venue, saying those are all still being planned. The only time I falter is when I’m asked about an engagement ring. Anne quickly steps in. “Her Highness will receive a family heirloom at her wedding.”

We’re nearing the end of the interview when Cedric strikes again. “Princess Vivienne, do you have any response to allegations Mr. Dawson is profiting off his association with you, and agreeing to this interview was an attempt on his part to do so even further?”

Anne leans forward to respond, but I beat her to it. I don’t want any confusion on this topic, and I don’t bother to hide the ire in my voice as a result. “Jace Dawson is the most loyal and considerate person I’ve ever met. I’m not sure what part of having your private life splashed across the front page of every major paper you consider ‘profiting,’ but I can assure you Jace only agreed to participate in an interview here as a favor to me. It was entirely void of any personal gain.”