Claye silently ushered the two red-headed women out of the room, but not before Ashes looked over her shoulder, catching Sapphire’s gaze. The corner of her lip tugged upward ever so slightly before the doors closed behind her.

‘I don’t understand.’ Sapphire’s voice sounded sturdier than it had a moment earlier.

The queen cupped Sapphire’s face with cold hands.

‘There’s time for that, my love.’ A few silent tears dripped from her chin. ‘We have time now. Eighteen years. Eighteen years I have waited for you. Where do we even begin? Claye, please send for someone to prepare Sapphire some lunch. Are you hungry?’

She nodded weakly, her mind racing as she was led out of the room.

A few steps from the large door, a ringing in her ears forced her to pause. Suddenly, the lights were too bright, and she shut her eyes tightly, feeling disoriented.

But just as quickly as it had come, the feeling disappeared, leaving nothing but the words:

Run. Run. Run.

That was the first time she ever heard the voice.

CHAPTER FIVE

There were no guards at her side as she was led back through the castle, only Queen Araxia. People who passed them bowed their heads in her presence.

King Kip had disappeared, citing a crucial matter that had to be handled, but Sapphire knew he was lying. His face had never lost the uncertain look he had worn from the second he laid eyes on her.

The queen, on the other hand, seemed anything but uncertain as she guided Sapphire to a large dining room. Ivy snaked up the walls, and the sun shone through large windows, casting golden rays throughout the room.

Servants awaited them, promptly pulling out the queen’s chair and then Sapphire’s to her right side. Sapphire felt awkward as she allowed the woman to perform tasks she could easily do on her own.

‘Do you know what you would like to eat?’

Sapphire shook her head, embarrassed that she had no idea what to even ask for. It had been so long since she had the luxury of choice, as they ate whatever they could scrounge together at the Home. Araxia offered her a small smile.

‘Please proceed.’ She spoke loudly, and at her command, the door to the right swung open. Uniformed servants filed in carrying more food than Sapphire had ever seen together in one place.

She sat unmoving as she gaped at the spread, wondering if she could tuck small portions away in her dress to save for later, or maybe, if she returned to Witrotean, share with the other girls. Sitting with a feast in front of her planted the smallest seed of guilt in the pit of her stomach.

Araxia watched her from the corner of her eye.

‘Is it not to your liking? I can send for anything you’d like.’

‘I-I’ve never seen so much food.’