‘Which is why, after the duel, much of the chatter died down, but …’

‘But what?’

‘As you know, the women of Canmore bring forth one daughter each generation to take over the throne, but Araxia struggled, for years. There was a lot of talk of her being unable to bear children. But then, there you were.’ Evera took another deep breath, looking to her hands. ‘No one ever saw her pregnant. It was as if you appeared out of thin air. The queen could have simply been reclusive during the pregnancy. Still, gossip will do as gossip will do.’

The feeling of belonging had been unfamiliar, but over the months she had warmed to it. Accepted it. But it slipped away from her now. Because if she did not belong to the queen, who did she belong to?

Hot tears took her over as she mourned. She had thought the feeling was hers to keep, but now she was robbed of something she had grown to love. She felt her heart breaking.

The first time they had called her Sapphire Canmore, it had left a bitter taste in her mouth. But she wanted to be Araxia’s daughter. She wanted it more than she could ever remember wanting anything. Evera’s grip on her hand tightened as the two lay down face to face.

‘What if I’m not their daughter?’ Sapphire whispered.

‘You are their daughter,’ Evera said forcefully. ‘Even if there is truth to the rumours, blood doesn’t make a family, Sapphire.’

What would they do if they found out she knew? Sapphire feared she knew the answer, and she didn’t like it.

Even when sleep finally came, hours later, it was restless. She dreamed of dark creatures whose sullen touch left her broken. A flash of red hair and a taunting smile. Sapphire woke often, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily until the sun finally peeked over the horizon. Her feet found the floor as the room came to life and her footsteps led her to the soft, sandy shores of the training ground, close enough that the chilly water washed over her bare feet.

Absent-mindedly, she moved the water, creating shapes and ripples with the smallest gestures, and felt at home.

The water rippled as her emotions built, and she bit her lip to stifle her tears. The sound of footsteps caused her to jump, and she was shocked to find Kip standing nearby.

‘Sorry, I thought you heard me when I said your name,’ Kip apologized.

‘Lost in thought,’ she said, forcing a smile.

‘I like to come here when I can’t sleep too. Especially when I have to make big decisions.’

She studied him, no longer sure how to hold a conversation when the words she so badly wanted to say were on the tip of her tongue.

‘I hope, when you become queen, you’ll still find solace here. We need a place to clear our heads, in this role.’