The witch took a step closer. The guards tugged at her arms but it was as if she didn’t notice. Sapphire felt entranced, leaning forward enough to catch a whiff of the girl’s honey perfume. Her eyes fluttered as she drank it in, half wishing the guards would release their grip and allow the witch to do as she pleased. Do as Sapphire hoped she would.

Ashes’ smirk grew like she knew every dark thought Sapphire had ever had.

‘You would do well to ask questions, you know. About your court, your people, the very blood that runs through your veins.’

‘That’s enough, witch,’ the taller of the two guards hissed, pushing Ashes along the path.

‘Secrets are the bedrock that keep your kingdom steady, princess,’ the Shadow Witch called over her shoulder. ‘It’s due for a reckoning.’

‘What is that supposed to mean?’ Sapphire couldn’t mask the desperation in her reply.

‘Stew in your curiosity. When you can no longer stand it, I’m sure you know where to find me.’

As quickly as they had appeared, the guards and Ashes were gone, leaving a sinister feel in the air.

She broke the surface once more.

‘Where is your head, Sapphire?’

‘We’ve been going non-stop.’

‘This is for your benefit. It’s how you must learn.’

‘My benefit? I would be perfectly fine taking it slow. Instead, I am being rushed through this process so you can present me like a prize.’

Araxia’s face fell.

‘I do hope that’s not what you really think.’

Sapphire chewed on her bottom lip. The woman’s gaze was too heavy for her to endure, and picking fights would win her no favours.

‘It’s not. I’m sorry. I just – I didn’t sleep well last night.’

The queen’s shoulders relaxed, and she nodded. ‘Let’s take a rest, then.’

Sapphire watched as Araxia walked over to take a seat at the edge of the water. She patted the sand next to her, and Sapphire joined her.

‘I’m sorry I’ve been pushing you so hard. Sometimes I forget how it feels to be your age. And I can’t imagine … what you’ve dealt with.’

Sapphire shrugged, studying the smooth stones at her feet.

‘You know, I trained in these same waters with my mother. I was always angry with her back then too. It was never enough. Never enough focus. Never enough drive. I spent most of my days wondering if she simply detested me.’ A small, sad smile played on her lips. ‘It turns out she just saw the potential I couldn’t.’

‘What was she like?’

It was not a question Sapphire had planned on asking. But while Araxia overwhelmed her most of the time, occasionally she found herself aching for more.