Kaian charged forward. ‘You unbearable witch!’ To Sapphire’s horror, he raised his hand, calling upon the ground faster than he had in the arena.

Fast, yes, but Ashes was faster. Her shadows wrapped around him, squeezing him so tightly his face turned an awful shade of red.

Sapphire shot a fierce glance at Ashes.

‘You are lucky the princess is here, high blood.’ The threat was thick in the air. ‘So very, very lucky.’

He struggled against the magic; eyes wide with panic.

‘Ashes, stop.’ Sapphire’s voice was steady.

The shadows cut away almost immediately, racing back to the witch, dancing against her skin. She bowed mockingly.

Kaian stumbled over to them, and Evera held him upright as he gasped for air.

‘Don’t start fights you can’t win.’ The witch’s words were like daggers. Kaian narrowed his eyes but said nothing. Ashes turned her attention to Sapphire. ‘Always a pleasure, high blood. I’ll see you at the Shadow Moon.’

With a simple blink, the witch was gone, leaving the three of them alone.

‘The Shadow Moon?’ Evera looked worried.

‘What I asked – they can’t tell me the truth without it.’

‘She threatened to kill you,’ Kaian spat, finding his words again. ‘She attacked me. You will not be alone with her – with any of them – again.’ He stood taller, running a hand through his hair, catching his breath. ‘We have to inform the council. That my father was right, the witch –’

‘Ashes.’

‘What?’ Kaian questioned.

‘Her name is Ashes. And you can’t speak of tonight. Not to the council. Not to your parents. Not to anyone.’

She looked at him with pleading eyes, and he stared back, uncertain. Finally, he cracked, sighing loudly.

‘Sapphire, if the witch takes another step out of line, I will be reporting it.’

She reached for Evera and Kaian’s hands and they accepted. She continued holding on until they had reached the edge of the lake.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

‘Princess, thank you for agreeing to spend the day with me on such short notice.’ Kaian bowed as he spoke. His note had arrived, asking for her company, just hours ago. Kip and Araxia had offered to step in, to make up an excuse that could not be refused, but Sapphire had graciously passed.

She curtsied, offering him the smallest nod as the guards assisted her into the carriage.

‘Miss me already? Or is this to be an interrogation?’

He looked caught off guard.

‘Interrogation? About what?’

‘About – you know – last night.’

‘I didn’t tell them, Sapphire. I gave you my word.’

‘Then why would they invite me so suddenly?’

‘Because today is a celebrated day in Ciliria. I want – I need you to see it.’

Sapphire relaxed slightly, leaning back against the cushioned seat, the blue lakes of Astral rolling by.

‘I could’ve swum.’

He snorted.