‘I was right there beside you. You just needed the push. You were choosing the easy option.’

‘I couldn’t breathe!’ Sapphire cried.

‘I was in complete control,’ the queen said. ‘It is not out of the ordinary that –’

‘You are wrong! I am not like you. What else has this proven to you? I – I am not special.’

Araxia moved towards her, reaching out a hand, but Sapphire moved away.

‘I’m going to my room. Please send Evera there.’

She stormed off, not bothering to look back at the queen, hoping she could recall the route that Rayna had brought her. But behind her she heard a voice call out.

‘Sapphire? That time, you were down there for seven minutes. Don’t tell me you’re not meant for this.’

CHAPTER SEVEN

Sapphire was sitting in one of the armchairs when someone knocked on the door of her room.

‘Come in.’

‘Pardon the interruption, princess. Miss Viotto is here to see you.’

Evera poked her head around the door and Sapphire motioned for the girl to come in.

‘Sapphire?’

‘Close the door.’

Evera did so and made her way over to the second chair. Her expression was a mix of worry and curiosity.

‘The last time I saw you, you were being dragged away by guards. I haven’t been allowed to return to my job at the library. And now, you’re living in the castle and sending a royal aide to request my presence.’

‘I –’ Sapphire’s lip quivered. ‘I’m sorry. I wasn’t even sure if you wanted to see me. I felt like you were the only one I could trust.’

‘As soon as you were … taken away, an aide appeared and asked that we sign a contract with so many stipulations … to not speak of you, of your appearance, your eyes, or things we had discussed. Guards surrounded us, and we feared if we didn’t, we might be punished. And then they arrived once again, demanding my presence.’

Evera was angry. It was clear in her body language, her furrowed brow, and Sapphire understood why. The Viottos had never asked to be put in this position, and it was Sapphire’s fault.

‘I’m so sorry,’ she rushed out. ‘I’m sorry I got you into this mess. And I’m sorry I dragged you back in by inviting you here. I can send for someone to escort you home. I just –’ She choked on another sob. ‘I just needed someone and you –’

A warm touch on her skin brought her to a pause, and she found Evera’s small hand resting on her forearm.

‘It’s fine, Sapphire. But I would appreciate knowing what is going on.’

Sapphire sucked in a breath in an attempt to steady herself. She needed this conversation to go well or she feared she might fall apart entirely.

‘Tell me … have you heard of the Lost Princess?’