Araxia’s face crumpled. ‘One day, I hope you will tell me of the world you grew up in. I will never be able to offer you the time that was stolen from you, from us, but I will listen and try to understand if you give me the chance.’

‘A chance?’

‘Well, you are an adult, Sapphire. I must allow you to make your own choices no matter how badly I want you to remain at this castle.’

Sapphire paused, arm outstretched towards the food, unsure of how to respond to such kindness. So, instead of speaking she plucked an oddly shaped berry from a nearby bowl. The berry was a vibrant magenta with fantastic petals blooming from its top. She turned it over in her hands a few times before popping it into her mouth.

The flavour was sweeter than the most expensive berries in Witrotean and richer than the chocolate she had craved since stealing some from a merchant’s cart when she was seven. The juice coated her tongue, rolling down her throat, and she reached for another quickly.

Her body sighed, grateful for an end to the hunger that had plagued her for most of her life.

When she reached for the dish of berries once more, she heard Araxia laugh.

‘Roseberries have always been my favourite too.’

Sapphire didn’t respond, focused on the food on her plate. But soon enough, she found herself uncomfortably full. Her body, unused to such a feast, warned her that it couldn’t handle another bite, and she frowned.

Food was being offered, and she knew better than to waste it.

‘It’s perfectly fine if you can’t eat any more, love,’ said the queen. ‘The staff will provide food for you whenever you need.’

Sapphire stared at her wide-eyed. The thought of food so … disposable was ludicrous. She imagined Susanna’s tear-stained face as she begged for something to eat. Anything. Any scrap that could be spared.

She fought against tears as she leaned back in her chair, signalling that she was done, and watched as the table was cleared. The two women sat in silence for only a moment before Sapphire could no longer hold in her questions.

‘I don’t understand any of this.’ Sapphire somehow sat up even straighter. ‘I don’t understand how I am your daughter. I don’t understand how a baby simply disappears and ends up in another place. I – I need an explanation, answers.’

The queen stilled for only a moment before blinking a few times.

‘You are bold, like all those who came before you.’ She laughed, warmth filling her eyes.

Sapphire shook her head, refusing to be distracted.

‘What others? Answers,’ Sapphire pressed, ‘please.’

Araxia took a deep breath, sinking back into her chair.