They arrived at the now-familiar double doors, Claye opening one for her, and she stepped in. Araxia gave a big smile when she saw her.

‘I’m so glad you are joining us, Sapphire. Praise the Elders, my requests have been heard.’

Sapphire nodded as she took the seat she always did, and quickly spoke before the king and queen could say more.

‘Is there a reason why Evera has not been working in the library?’

Kip and Araxia exchanged a guarded look. The seconds passed slowly before they returned their attention to Sapphire.

‘We can control many things – but not how our staff spend their time off,’ Kip explained.

Sapphire turned to Araxia, dismissing Kip’s attempt to humour her.

‘I will train. I will go into the water today, but only if you give me your word that Evera will visit. Even if she does have time off, I am asking to see her as my friend.’

‘There are no such bargains in my kingdom –’ began Kip.

Araxia lifted her hand, silencing her husband.

‘I will give you my word. If you allow me to train you today, I will make sure Evera is here later this afternoon.’

‘You swear it?’

‘I do.’

‘Good,’ Sapphire said over her shoulder as she stormed out of the hall and back to her room.

After slipping into her training uniform, a body suit made of a soft but sturdy material, Sapphire stared at the looking glass and tried to convince herself that she could do this.

Panic did her no favours, and she needed to get a grip before it swallowed her whole.

‘I’m ready.’

Claye bowed, before guiding her out of the room.

The gardens around the castle were filled with bright shades of purple, blue, yellow and red. Large trees lifted their branches towards the sky, and sparkling water stretched for as far as her eyes could see.

To her right was a small pond filled with glimmering fish, and to her left, fruit-laden bushes lined the walkway. Roseberries grew on vines. The stones under her feet were smooth and shimmered in the warm sunlight.

But her wonder faded quickly as the training grounds came into view. Obstacles had been set out, and the queen awaited her in the middle of the lake. Claye escorted her to the shore.

He bowed slightly to Sapphire before bowing deeply to the queen, and then hurried away. To Sapphire’s surprise, her stomach clenched as the man disappeared – longing to not be alone with Araxia.

‘Sapphire, you are Waterborn, meaning you have a special connection with the water. And with a little practice, I truly believe that you will be one of the strongest water elementals in your age range, just like every Canmore before you.’

‘Don’t hold your breath.’

To her surprise, Araxia smirked. ‘Funny you say that, because that’s where we’re going to begin.’

‘What?’