‘You know, as one of the royal librarians, it is my job to retrieve any texts you seek. Any information you may want.’

Sapphire couldn’t fight her smile.

‘So you think you could …’

‘I’ll see what I can do.’ Sapphire heard someone clear their throat and Evera rolled her eyes. ‘Now, I need to get back to work and judging by the look that man over there is wearing, I think you’re late for something.’

Sapphire turned around to find Claye looking impatient, with his hands on his hips.

‘You would be correct.’ Sapphire pulled the girl into a quick hug. ‘I’ll check in soon.’

It was early when the knock on her door came, the kind of head-splitting knock that made her bury herself deeper under the covers.

‘I do apologize – but we really must get moving. Please, princess. I will make today as easy as possible,’ Rayna’s voice pleaded with her.

‘Go away.’

‘That’s not exactly an option.’

Sapphire stomped over to the door and threw it open. ‘What?’

‘Today is the big day, highness.’

Sapphire paled. Rayna was right.

Despite Araxia’s spiel about her role being a choice, Sapphire had known from the beginning that it was not. For if she refused the crown, who would she be? Where would she go? This world was still new to her, her magic something she couldn’t understand. She needed the guidance of the king and queen as much as they needed her presence.

So, she had agreed to the age-old tradition of the presentation. Kip and Araxia had walked her through the ceremony. She could tell they were trying to gauge her level of comfort with it all, which was complicated, to say the least. Sometimes she craved to stay hidden in the shadows, free of duty, family, and expectation. But her curiosity gnawed at her, chipping away at the hesitation in her mind bit by stubborn bit.

She wanted to see Eriobis, with her own eyes – understand the land and its people. And she couldn’t do that while hidden away.

Rayna gently pushed her towards the washroom, running a bath while Sapphire stared at herself in the mirror. Despite the put-together reflection that stared back at her, she wondered if the people would see right through her. If they would catch a glimpse of the girl she once was – feral and ill-mannered.

Her palms pressed against the cool marble of the basin as she tried to force herself to face the day.

You might not be a Canmore, but you need to act like one to survive. You will not fail. You will not fall.

Another solid rap against the outer door echoed around her suite. When she pulled it open, a team of six – and a kingdom – awaited her.

Together the six maids pulled and prodded, told her where to sit and then stand. Strings were pulled, buttons pinched, clasps clipped.