He laughed, shifting closer to her. ‘I think that’s exactly what they hoped for. I mean, you did almost drown me, so …’

She bit back her own laugh, shaking her head at the memory. Even with the marriage contract in place, nothing had changed in her heart for Kaian.

‘I accept your apology.’

He smiled, pulling her into a hug, and she leaned into him with a small grin.

‘The coven,’ he started, his voice tight. ‘If this is something you are serious about, then I want to try to understand it.’

She stared at him for a moment, admiring who he was – a king who would be kind and faithful. A king that Eriobis did not deserve.

But the small memory of Ashes’ hand pressed against her lower back returned. The girl’s lips slightly parted. The way her hair looked like a live flame in the moonlight.

Once she had settled, once she had pushed away the fear, and the sensation of fire being pressed into her eyelids, she suddenly wondered if that was the connection she had been craving since before she arrived at Eriobis.

Family that understood her, knew her, accepted her.

‘Can we just,’ Sapphire sighed, exhaustion thick in her voice, ‘enjoy our time? For today, at least.’

‘How about a swim?’

Sapphire laughed, slipping into the water before Kaian could move, and he followed her – their expensive garments most likely ruined but she didn’t care. And for a moment, she felt an unexpected sadness settle on her heart. The sky opened and the long-awaited rain began to fall. It was not angry or ruthless. It was a steady fall that made the mundane world around them more beautiful.

Her friend.

Her intended.

And one of the many hearts she would soon break.

The day passed, quick and easy and filled with a warmth that Sapphire hadn’t realized she missed. But, when it was done, and Kaian was gone, her heart pulled her back to a place – to a person – she couldn’t ignore. The image of Ashes sitting on the shore burned into her mind.

This night was no different as she poked her head above the water, catching the view.

She smiled to herself as she got closer. Stepping out of the water, she wrapped her arms around the witch, savouring the scent of honey and ash and the way Ashes’ calloused hands felt wrapped in hers.

‘The coven received a visit today.’ Ashes’ voice was low, angry. ‘Your parents’ lackeys. They had questions about the disappearance of two of their men.’

Sapphire stiffened as the sound of bones snapping in a quiet forest rang in her ears.

‘They left without answers. No need to get that –’

‘I’m going to bring down the barrier.’

It was the first time she had confessed it aloud, and the words were heavy.

Ashes looked to Sapphire, eyes bright.