‘A Princeps allowing a lady of royal blood to find her own way? Think of my poor reputation if that news got out.’

‘Pretentious baby.’

‘I wear that like a badge of honour too.’ He winked and they both fell into laughter.

‘So, what are we actually going to do? I’ve seen plenty of Ciliria at this point.’

‘Technically, I am supposed to take you to the celebration of the trees located in the centre of the village. But I doubt you’d want all that attention.’ She nodded in gratitude. ‘So, I figured we’d duel. I think I’ve earned a rematch.’

Sapphire swallowed hard as she recalled their last confrontation.

With no healers, no judges, and no one watching them, how could she possibly be sure she wouldn’t hurt him?

‘I’m just not sure if that’s the best idea.’

‘If you’re scared of me, you can admit it. This is a safe space, Canmore.’

Sapphire rolled her eyes, returning her attention to the landscape beyond the window.

‘That’s not it. I just – I’d like to see Ciliria.’

He groaned.

‘That’s pointless. You’ve travelled this land several times over.’

‘But if I’m to be queen, I should know it intimately. Don’t you think?’

He threw up his hands in exasperation but did not argue.

The tour lasted for hours – broken up by short stops where Sapphire allowed herself time in the warm daylight to breathe. The forest was so different at this hour – full of magic and comfort and life. Not a hint of the witches or secrets that occupied it at night.

They came to a stop in a small clearing. The sunlight bathed the area in gold.

‘It’s beautiful here,’ she said, plucking a roseberry from the vine and tossing it into her mouth.

‘Well, I thought offering you a view was the least I could do after destroying you in that duel, so here we are.’

She laughed loudly and relaxed against the blanket.

‘Destroying me, huh? Maybe one day I’ll give you the chance.’

‘I hope so. I want to go toe-to-toe without beginner’s luck on your side.’

They laughed, and it echoed through the forest, but Sapphire was not afraid of who might hear.

‘What was your favourite food in … what’s it called?’ he asked, sucking a bit of juice off his thumb.

‘Witrotean. I’m not exactly sure if I had a favourite food. We ate what we had and did what we could to enjoy it. Then we had to start rationing. So, I picked up hunting. We only had a small dagger so I struggled, but from time to time, I would find a forest animal or a bird flying too low.’

‘You, hunting? The horror,’ he said with a laugh. Sapphire smacked his shoulder lightly.