“We can stomach being mannequins in designer gowns, because we know the important work we’re doing behind the scenes,” her mother said. “And the times are changing. You will have more of a voice than I’ve had. You’ll just have to find a way to gently assert it. Give it some time, darling.”

“What’s important,” Genevieve said. “Is that you’ve got a winning idea, and you’re going to help so many teenagers find their path in life.”

“What’s most important,” her father said. “Is that you’ve reminded the voters about the compassion and decency of the royal house. Once the monarchy is secure, then we will take on each issue, one at a time. Of course, you’ll soon learn, change moves at a glacial pace in politics.”

Nothing they said calmed her. She felt restless, agitated. And it didn’t make sense, because none of what she’d experienced tonight was new. “You’re right. I’ll learn to handle it better.” But it actually did make sense. Because, in her very short time in Calamity, she’d changed. Her dutiful way of life no longer seemed acceptable. “For now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to my room to freshen up.”

“Of course, darling.” Her mother bussed her cheek.

“You want me to come with you?” her sister asked.

“No, thank you. I won’t be long.” She tried to smile, but all she wanted was to get out of this room. Constrained by the sheath of silk around her legs, she made her way along the hallway, but it felt like a pack of dogs chased her. Almost panicked, the hairs at the back of her neck stood on end, and she wanted to break into a run.

I am bombarded by ridiculous issues and affronts that make me want to go running, screaming into the dead of night.

Ha. Right there with you, Dad. She didn’t know where she wanted to go, only that she needed to get out of the castle. She needed to breathe. As soon as she reached the kitchen, she kicked off her heels and padded toward the back door.

Once outside, the cool grass tickled the soles of her feet, and she filled her lungs with clean, fragrant mountain air. Pulling her phone out of her clutch, she knew there was only one person she wanted to talk to.

He answered on the third ring. “Princess? Everything all right?”

In the background, she heard laughter and conversation. “I called at a bad time. We can talk later.”

“Hang on. Don’t go anywhere.” He must’ve pulled the phone away from his mouth, because his shouted, “Give me five,” sounded muffled. “Okay, talk to me. How’s it going? You give your speech at the gala?”

“I did. What am I interrupting?”

“I’m helping out at the training center. What’s going on?”