A type of high she knew she would chase for the rest of her life. She deepened the kiss, grabbing handfuls of the witch’s dress as she pulled her closer. Ashes obeyed, her full weight leaning in, trapping Sapphire against the tree.

Sapphire threaded her hands through Ashes’ loose curls, tugging at them, and she felt Ashes’ smile against her mouth before she bit down on Sapphire’s bottom lip. The sensation caused her to jump slightly, and the witch took the opportunity to pull away.

Ashes reached out, tracing her thumb along Sapphire’s swollen bottom lip, and the princess fought not to beg for more.

‘They’re fools to let you out so late at night,’ Ashes finally said against her ear. Her warm breath made chills rise on Sapphire’s skin. ‘You never know who’s waiting in these woods.’

The witch picked the dagger up from the ground, handing it back to her.

‘Trusting this won’t end up against my neck again, princess.’

‘I make no promises, witch.’ Her voice was far more breathless than she wanted.

‘Till next time, princess,’ Ashes replied, taking Sapphire’s hand and pressing her lips against the scar that ran across her palm.

With that, Ashes put her hands together, and the light of her orb dimmed, leaving them in darkness. Sapphire barely heard the witch’s footsteps leave the clearing.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Rayna offered Sapphire the familiar vial of potion as she stepped off the dressing box. ‘For lunch?’

The girl nodded as she escorted Sapphire to the door where Claye greeted her.

‘Mind telling me what’s going on?’

‘You have guests.’

‘Don’t tell me –’

‘They are nearly here. We’d best get moving.’

Anxiety wrapped like a noose around her neck, tightening with every step.

The Princeps.

Claye said nothing as she turned to go, and when the double doors swung open, Sapphire’s stomach clenched as she took in the scene before her.

Kip. Araxia. Tyden. Sadara. Kaian. He met her gaze – his eyes tired and sad. She offered him a small smile that he did not return.

‘Come and take a seat, Sapphire,’ Kip called.

There was a still type of silence in the room – not wanted or liked. A silent storm brewing between them.

As she turned to Araxia, the woman did not look angry. Instead, she smiled, the tension obvious and foreign on her lips.

‘To the future of Eriobis,’ she said.

Glasses clinked, and Sapphire’s movements were rehearsed and forced.

‘And to new alliances,’ Sadara followed.

Sapphire glanced over at Kaian, but he looked away quickly.

‘What new alliances are we celebrating?’ she finally asked after a beat of silence that was too long.

All eyes fell on her, and she squirmed in her seat.