Sapphire wasn’t sure she was ready for that, but she was at the tipping point, walking on a tight wire with few options. Deep down, she didn’t believe she could be the lost daughter they had mourned all these years. A princess. She had spent so many years being no one’s daughter, that the adjustment was difficult.

And after a lifetime of weariness, she most certainly did not trust them; did not trust their kindness, their intentions, or their goodwill.

But if they were right … she needed answers. Answers to questions she had asked herself since she was a little girl. Questions that deserved answers.

So, with a deep breath, she decided to make an agreement with herself alone.

She would do as they asked, would sit with them at dinner and breakfast – but she would unravel it all – everything that had happened – and find out what was hiding beneath the unblemished surface of this kingdom.

And then, she’d return to Witrotean.

No matter what it cost her.

CHAPTER SIX

At her arrival, the king and queen both sat up straighter in their seats.

‘Sapphire.’ Araxia smiled – a mix of surprise and relief – as the name rolled off her tongue. ‘Good morning. How did you sleep?’

The pair sat at the far end of the table. The warm morning light cast them in an almost iridescent glow, and Sapphire once again had the overwhelming sense that she did not belong here.

‘I slept well, thank you. The view was … everything you said it would be.’

‘I knew you would love it. You are Waterborn, after all.’ Araxia turned to her husband. ‘Look, Kip, look how well the water territory colours fit her.’

The king gave her a tight-lipped smile and nodded.

‘You look beautiful, Sapphire,’ Kip said, staring at something on his plate.

Araxia clapped her hands as if she sensed the tension. ‘Well, I am so glad you have decided to join us. Is everything to your liking? If not, I can request anything you like. I –’

‘This is fine,’ Sapphire responded as Claye pulled the seat out for her. She kept her hands in her lap, unsure if she could stomach food. ‘When you say water territory, what does that mean?’

Araxia beamed at her while Kip shifted in his seat.

‘A wonderful question. Eriobis is broken up into four territories: Aleburn, Ciliria, the Isle of Irobel, and Astral. In each territory, members of a single element reside. They each have a long, proud history, displayed through colours, crests, and more. You will learn all of this in your courses, though, so no need to memorize it all today.’

‘I see.’ Sapphire pushed a roseberry around her plate with her fork.

A few seconds passed before Kip cleared his throat.

‘So, Sapphire, we’d love to know more about your life … before your return.’

‘If you are comfortable sharing,’ Araxia followed up quickly.