‘I grew up in this castle, did you know that? My father worked here, as did his father. As a child, I used to run through these hallways and while it was beautiful, I found it was also hauntingly … empty. The lack of your presence was everywhere.’

She nodded, looking out over the water once more.

‘Your parents mourned you daily. We all did.’

‘I just can’t understand any of it,’ Sapphire admitted. ‘I can’t understand how I disappeared, why witches were involved, or why those same witches would be trusted around me again.’

‘I am not a scholar of Shadow Witch magic but I do know that it is … generational to an extent. The witch that caused your disappearance was of the same bloodline as the two who came to prove your legitimacy.’

‘The witch that caused my disappearance …’

‘Was executed,’ Claye said, matter-of-factly. ‘But her bloodline lived on.’

Sapphire stared up at him, unblinking, trying to process what Claye had admitted. Ashes’ family was the reason why she disappeared. Ashes’ family was why she had been forced to suffer and fight and grow up in a harsh and cruel world. Ashes’ family took away the one thing she had always craved.

‘Thank you, Claye. For being honest.’

‘Of course, princess. Would you like to return to your room?’

Sapphire stood, smoothing down her hair with her hand.

‘Yes. To my room.’

‘Your wish is my command.’ Claye offered a slight bow before escorting her inside.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Once seated at the table, she could not untangle her thoughts despite her efforts. She bowed her head and pushed the food around on her plate as they tried to engage her in conversation. Short answers made it easy.

Yes, she was fine. Just a sleepless night. Yes, she understood that if that happened again, she needed to inform someone. No, she preferred not to rely on a sleep tonic.

She popped a fresh roseberry into her mouth as they struck up a conversation about the upcoming ball. It wasn’t surprising, as she had spent more time in fittings and dance rehearsals than she had in training recently.

‘May I add someone to the guest list?’

Araxia gave her a knowing smile.

‘Evera and her family have been invited. We’ve provided a tailor to assist them with attire as well.’

Sapphire’s heart swelled for only a moment before the shadows burrowed their way back into her mind.

After pacing for two hours, her body not allowing her to remain idle, she had decided she needed to escape the confines of her room.

When she threw open the library doors, she was relieved when it was Evera she found first.

‘I had a feeling I’d see you soon.’ Evera closed the book she was reading. ‘We received your invitation to the ball. You didn’t have to do that, you know.’