Rayna and more new servants carried in the flowing garment. It was various shades of deep blue, much like the flags she had seen lining the castle walls. And she tried to focus on that as the maidens began to dress her.

Too many hands. Too many eyes.

As a maiden tugged the corset strings, she wondered if her ribs would crack under the pressure.

Rayna delivered one last crushing pull, squeezing the air from Sapphire’s lungs before she scurried away. Sapphire took in her reflection and frowned. She looked ridiculous, like a child playing dressing-up. The blue of the dress made her new violet eyes even harsher, and her hair was coiled tightly atop her head. Sapphire unpinned it, then braided it in an effort to look more pulled together, but it did not help. And as she turned away from the looking glass, the word run rang out in her subconscious again.

Another knock at the door grabbed her attention. When she opened it, she found Claye waiting for her outside.

‘Your highness, I’m here to escort you to breakfast.’ Claye bowed quickly and Sapphire cringed.

‘Please just call me Sapphire.’

Claye smiled but did not agree as he motioned for her to walk ahead. Sapphire held her ground, though, standing still in the large doorframe as she stared past Claye down the long corridor. Ever since she had arrived, she had been escorted around and told what she would do. But now Araxia had promised her space and promised to move forward at Sapphire’s speed.

It was time to see if the queen was a woman of her word.

‘I will not be attending breakfast.’

‘I should’ve taken that bet,’ he said under his breath.

She stepped back into her room, but Claye caught the closing door, giving her a small smile.

‘I will inform the king and queen of your decision. Please let me know if I can assist you any further.’

Sapphire remained in the large armchair near the window, studying the world around her until the sound of movement came from the other side of her door. She waited a few moments before opening it, and was surprised to find a breakfast spread on a shiny silver tray.

Most surprising of all was the small bowl of roseberries in the centre.

She settled back into the chair with the food and began to slowly sample all the flavours until a piece of parchment on the floor caught her eye. It had clearly fallen from the tray as Sapphire had crossed the room.

In fine script, it read:

Take your time, sweetling. We will be here when you are ready.