‘Any advice?’ Sapphire begged, with her eyes as well as her words.

Claye offered, ‘I would be extra cautious regarding your conversations with the governing family of Ciliria, the Princeps. They come with forked tongues.’

‘The Princeps. All right.’

‘This day is all about rubbing elbows and gaining goodwill with people who have too much power for their own good. So, stick to your training. Smile a lot, be grateful, stroke their egos when possible, and try not to be so …’

‘Me,’ Sapphire said with a small laugh.

‘Your word, princess, not mine,’ Claye said, a small smile sneaking on to his face.

Sapphire nodded in gratitude, trying to stand taller.

She wondered if these powerful families were bold enough to question her legitimacy at dinner, or if they’d wait to whisper harsh words in dark corners where they thought she couldn’t hear. She wasn’t sure which was worse.

‘I am nervous.’ The words rushed out of her before she could stop them. ‘I am nervous they … won’t approve.’

Claye smiled.

‘They should worry more about your approval. You are the next in line for the throne.’

‘And yet I feel as if I’m the fool on a tightrope while everyone is gawking, waiting for a misstep.’

‘Of course they are,’ Claye continued. ‘It’s all a dance of politics and power struggles. But you’ve been trained by the best and prepared for the worst, princess. So, relax your shoulders, keep your chin high, and show them that you belong at that table even more than they do.’

A slight tapping signalled it was almost time, and she took a deep, shaky breath to steady herself.

On cue, the large golden doors swung open, and a guard banged his staff once again before clearing his throat.

‘Presenting Her Highness Sapphire Canmore, Princess of Eriobis.’

An imposter in the presence of power, she gritted her teeth every time she heard her new title spoken.

Finally, she raised her eyes to meet the ones that looked back at her. Her training was like a knife to her back, pushing her forward.

‘Hello, everyone. It’s so wonderful to finally make your acquaintance.’

The group stared back at her with their own strained smiles, and Sapphire took her place in the appropriate corner of the room to greet and receive the families. Araxia and Kip joined her and signalled for the procession to begin.

The whole ordeal was carried out with a tense, rigid formality that grated on Sapphire’s nerves. Each person would make their way to her, greet her. Some would offer gifts; most would offer her prayers. Words of goodwill would be exchanged, and then they could proceed.

The first to approach her were two dark-skinned women with bright green eyes – just like those of the king and queen. They bowed before her, taking her hand and praying over her for the Elders’ guidance and gifts. They slipped beaded bracelets over her wrist.