In front of her was a large room full of light. It was brilliant white and reminded her of the days when you could feel spring giving way to summer, her favourite time in Witrotean, when food was more abundant and she could slip away to paint by the brook.

The memory brought her peace, but it dissipated quickly as she saw a man and woman seated in large chairs, looking directly at her.

‘Move forward, Sapphire. We mustn’t keep them waiting.’

She followed Claye’s command, her eyes locked on the two thrones looming in front of her. He urged her forward, hustling her steps until she reached the king and queen and looked up to meet their gaze. Claye bowed his head, but Sapphire did not follow suit, unable to tear her focus from the queen. Her brown skin was strewn with freckles and her eyes matched the colour of the green stones set into her crown.

She was ethereal.

‘Hello, Sapphire.’

Her voice was melodic – sweet and commanding. As Sapphire watched the king and queen watch her, she stood a bit taller.

‘Welcome to Eriobis,’ the king said. His green eyes were as brilliant as the queen’s. She wasn’t sure what she had expected these two to be like, but not this. ‘We hear you’re in a predicament,’ the king continued.

She couldn’t find the courage to reply.

‘Sapphire, how old are you?’ the queen asked.

‘I just turned eighteen before I arrived here.’

The pair exchanged a look that Sapphire couldn’t understand.

‘I’m sure your parents are so worried about you,’ said the queen.

She shook her head, not wanting to explain that maybe no one at all was worried about her. She numbed at the thought.

The pair continued to stare at her, eyes flickering to each other every so often, and something shifted inside Sapphire, causing her to sweat. Her eyes darted around the room, which suddenly felt too small – she took a step backwards towards the door. If she ran fast enough, maybe she could escape. Run until her body gave out or they caught her and drove a sword through her chest.

She felt Claye’s hand press against her back. He looked at her with a mix of warning and encouragement.

‘Sapphire.’ The queen’s voice was quiet. ‘I’m afraid we can’t help you.’

No.

Sapphire ran her hands through her dark hair. She had known this could happen. She had known there was a possibility they would refuse her … but how was she supposed to return to Witrotean now? She bit her lip in an effort to quell the angry, heartbroken tears that threatened to spill over.

‘Why not? I just want to go home.’ Her voice cracked.

The queen stood, moving with ease as she made her way down the stairs. Her long dress flowed behind her, her eyes never leaving Sapphire’s face.