A gasp stopped her escort in his tracks, and with far too much effort, Nova tipped her head up to survey the scene.

She saw the familiar face first, and it took several long moments for her mind to recall just how she knew the young serving girl who stood slack-jawed in front of them.

Renia. They’d shared a room together. Nova used to lie in bed listening to Renia prattle on about the details of her romantic life. It had always been a grand distraction for Nova, who had no desire for romance of her own. Not with her secrets. But listening to Renia had been a glimpse into another, simpler life.

Those days felt so far away now, like they existed in another world.

“What are you looking at?” the soldier sneered.

Renia quickly concealed her horrified expression and ducked her head. “My apologies.”

The soldier tugged on Nova’s chains, and she stumbled forward. Her eyes met Renia’s as they passed, and the girl quickly averted her eyes.

Nova could not blame her. If the situation were reversed, she would have done the same, desperate to stay safe and keep her secrets unknown.

She kept her chin up on the rest of their trek through the palace halls, refusing to cower. The world, it seemed, kept moving as it always had despite her absence. It was alarming to know that her life could be upended so completely, and yet all the people she had once known continued on in the same day-to-day drudge.

Finally, after another set of brutal stairs, the soldier led Nova to a part of the palace she knew all too well—the royal wing. Nova eyed the soldier with confusion and distrust as she was led down the hall to the rooms that had once belonged to the Princess of Pavan. The soldier opened the door and shoved her through.

The first thing Nova noticed was the plush carpet beneath her feet, so soft against her calloused, broken skin. She almost wanted to give in to the urge to collapse, just so she could feel that kind of softness all over her skin. Then there was the smell—the scent of ink and old books and fresh air teased her senses and brought tears to her eyes.

For a moment, Nova could see this room as it used to be. The windows had always been open, the room washed in sunlight and teased by a breeze. Aurora used to leave books on every surface, piles of stories she had read and read again. The memories stole what little breath she had, and pulled painfully at her heart.