Evera, who had been half asleep, sat up straight beside her. Kaian tried not to be as obvious as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.

‘Have I not offered you proper guidance, princess?’

‘You knew. You knew and you gave me no warning. You kept a secret – one that impacted me – and you allowed me to be blindsided. I thought we – I thought you were my friend.’

Kaian’s shoulders sagged, any last bit of properness washed away by her shaky confession.

‘I am your friend, Sapphire. I – You are incredibly important to me, you have to know that.’

She snapped, looking out of the window. ‘A friend would’ve never allowed that to happen.’

‘I couldn’t have stopped the courtship. You know that.’

‘I don’t believe you.’ Her voice was too loud and strangled. She took a deep breath in an effort to steady herself. He looked down at his freshly polished boots as he reached out for her hand. She fought the urge to recoil as she recalled Ashes’ hand laced in her own. Evera watched them closely as if she was afraid Sapphire would do something she couldn’t take back.

‘I should’ve told you,’ Kaian finally admitted. His hand clung to hers like he was scared that if he dropped it, he might never get to touch her again. ‘But I was terrified, angry, upset. You know my heart. You know Ciliria is where I belong and … You know my only dream was to preside over it, improve it … and now that dream has been stolen from me. And then there was you … Sapphire, you are just so … what is the fair term to use here? You are impulsive. I feared if I shared it with you –’

Sapphire pulled her hand away harshly at the words.

‘You speak as if I’m a spoiled child who has never dealt with disappointment. I can handle my emotions. I won’t allow you to make excuses for your choices.’

Kaian lowered his head into his hands, releasing an exasperated sigh.

‘I – I am not making excuses, Sapphire. You are brave. That’s the problem. Your courage is … There’s no changing this fate. I am a coward. There. I admit it. I am a coward, a horrid friend, and entirely selfish.’

Sapphire finally looked at him. She hadn’t noticed the slight bruising under his eyes. ‘You owed me honesty at least, Kaian.’

‘I did and I have regretted not offering it from the moment you walked into the dining room. I am sorry, Sapphire. I will say it as many times as you need to believe it.’

‘I’ll believe it faster if you offer me honesty now,’ Kaian sat up straight. ‘Have you been feeding your parents information regarding my involvement with the witches?’

‘Sapphire, I would never do that to you. Think what you will of me, but your secrets are and always will be safe with me.’