Sapphire stared at them with wide eyes for a moment, trying to figure out how to explain Witrotean.

‘I – I grew up in an orphanage. Not really unusual, since most children in Witrotean do. As I got older, though, I learned how to hunt, wield a dagger, and take care of the younger girls.’

She met the queen’s watery gaze.

‘You have faced so much. You have my word that you will never know that type of life again. As the princess of Eriobis and the heir to the Canmore crown, you will know nothing but prosperity and good fortune. It is the Canmore blessing.’

‘How long have the Canmores ruled?’

‘For a thousand years, and many moons more, Gods willing.’

‘Who ruled before the Canmores?’

‘That is something you will learn all about in your courses,’ Araxia replied abruptly. ‘Tell me, Sapphire, was there anyone in Witrotean you were close to? That you would go back to, given the chance?’

Sapphire paused, her fork halfway to her mouth and stared at the queen for a moment.

‘Is there even a possibility I might have that chance?’

Araxia went silent, dropping her eyes to her lap, and Sapphire almost laughed – they both knew the truth. Finally, the queen cleared her throat.

‘How would you feel about beginning your training today?’ Sapphire shot her a confused look before looking out of the window. ‘Your elemental training … Training typically begins at a very young age, but I am confident you will adapt and excel quite quickly.’

‘I-I am not ready for that. I can’t simply just …’ Her breathing caught slightly, and she counted to five before continuing. ‘No. I do not want to do that today.’

Araxia placed her hand on top of Sapphire’s to comfort her. She fought the urge to yank her hand away as her stomach clenched.

‘I will be teaching you personally. And I’ll continue to teach you for as long as it takes. There have been plenty of late bloomers in Eriobis. Every single one has grown to master their element. No need to be nervous.’

But Sapphire barely heard her, still staring at Araxia’s hand on her own. The woman’s touch was cold.

‘I think you would do well to begin –’

Sapphire’s attention snapped away from the contact and she shook her head.

‘No. I’m not willing to start today.’

The queen stiffened at the response, her tension apparent in the lines around her mouth.

‘I must ask you consider beginning training soon. We will, of course, wait for you to be ready – but I believe connecting with the water will bring you comfort. Perhaps instead you would like to use the library?’

Sapphire didn’t feel like responding, so she simply nodded, and reached for a pastry to add to her plate and looked out of the large windows.