‘We were not honest with our people when you disappeared. Maybe we should’ve been but sometimes the right thing to do is also the hardest and we didn’t have the strength to be bold.’ Araxia took a heavy pause, then struggled to continue. ‘I always feared our lack of honesty would catch up with us – but I imagined it would come at the cost of my reputation. Of the Canmore reign. I never thought it would come at the cost of you and your future, Sapphire. I always thought the witches would speak out – I never thought the Princeps would …

Mercy, the Princeps knew about her birth. Maybe even more than that. Sapphire racked her brain, trying to remember if she had ever admitted to Kaian that her path and the coven’s had always been intertwined.

‘They’re blackmailing you.’ Sapphire did not attempt to mask the disgust she felt.

‘Power makes people do things you’d never imagine. They saw an opportunity and have been planting the seeds, waiting for the perfect moment to take advantage of what they know.’

‘And if we say no?’

Sapphire hated how childish her voice sounded.

‘Then they go public with the information. The people – they won’t be … understanding. It could lead to anarchy, an insurrection. Either way, the Canmore name wouldn’t rule for long.’

‘Is that really so bad?’ Her question was honest.

‘I used to ask myself that, long before I took the crown. I still do from time to time. If a life without … all of this could be one I would enjoy living.’ She looked up to the sky, a frown on her face. ‘But without us, without you, people like the Princeps take our place.’

She paused like she was considering whether she wanted to continue.

‘I love Eriobis, Sapphire. I love it too much to be selfish.’

‘And if I refuse? Refuse to marry him?’

Araxia finally looked at her, the darkness doing nothing to mask the pain in her eyes.

‘I don’t know,’ she admitted. ‘But I’m scared to find out.’

The honesty was jarring, and only silence followed as Araxia rose to her feet.

‘If I could rewrite your story, I would, sweetling. But I’ll never regret my choice to save you – even if it costs us everything.’

Sapphire did not turn to watch her leave.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

When she met Kaian in front of the castle, he bowed, and Sapphire gritted her teeth. The dress she wore was a mix of green and blue – colours to showcase the union of the Canmore and Princeps names.

‘Unity suits you, highness.’

‘Unity is an interesting term for this.’ She gestured to the monstrosity of a dress that Sadara had sent over the previous night.