‘You are a secret I prefer to keep to myself, Sapphire.’ Ashes smirked but something was different. The witch was always difficult to read, but Sapphire saw the slight change in her expression. The smirk faltered, for only a second, and she knew that look because she herself had worn it often.

Guilt.

Remorse.

Sapphire reached out for Ashes’ hand and squeezed it gently. She had kept her fair share of secrets since she arrived in Eriobis. She understood. She’d rather be a secret to the witch than nothing at all.

Finally, Ashes pulled her hand away and Sapphire watched as she padded over to the chair, pulling out the sketchbook once more, ripping a page from it before Sapphire could protest. ‘Till next time. Your guards are sloppy and I do prefer you in the moonlight.’

And then, in a storm of shadows, the girl slipped from her room.

Once alone, Sapphire retrieved her sketchbook, trying to figure out which drawing Ashes had removed. She was surprised to see that the witch had taken Sapphire’s recent self-portrait – the only sketch she had ever drawn of herself with violet eyes.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

The Canmore Waltz was a traditional dance that would be performed at both the ball and wedding, and currently the bane of Sapphire’s entire existence. Her teacher tapped her back, reminding her to keep her posture upright, as Sapphire began to slump from a mix of exhaustion and boredom.

The music drawled on and she felt her eyes glaze over. This was her third lesson of the week. Her days had been filled with nothing but wedding prep and ball training. And it saddened her to realize that this was it – this was the life she would live until death took her.

Her future wasn’t something she had spent much time considering, growing up – but since she had arrived here, she had begun to allow herself to plan. To dream. But she was back to square one – out of control and lacking choices. She hated herself for ever thinking it would be different.

‘Sapphire?’

Araxia was standing behind her. The instructor stepped away.

‘I was wondering how you’re doing.’ Sapphire did not miss the slight tremor in the woman’s voice. ‘with everything.’

‘I’m fine.’

‘You’re allowed to be upset.’ Araxia’s voice was tight. ‘You’re allowed to be unhappy, angry, even.’

‘It’s what’s best for the family. For the Canmore name. What other choice is there?’

For a moment, Sapphire thought the queen looked more undone by her lack of anger than the actual situation, but it passed, and Araxia closed the remaining distance between them, pulling her into an embrace.

‘Maturity and steadiness will take you far as queen.’

Sapphire forced a smile, unable to find the right words. Pulling free, she summoned her dance instructor and Araxia took her cue.