Sapphire followed the woman’s eyes, meeting the gaze of a boy who looked much like his mother. He was slightly taller than her with the same steel-blue eyes and icy-blond hair that was a bit longer on the top. His lips were pursed, thick brows furrowed, yet he still had a kindness to him that his mother could never muster. His moss-coloured suit complemented his pale skin.

It was only when Kaian stepped in front of his father, breaking his heavy gaze, that Sapphire felt she could breathe properly. She watched with wide eyes as the boy reached for her hand and placed his lips against the back of it.

‘I echo my parents’ sentiment. An honour to meet you, princess.’ When she returned her eyes to him, he gave her a soft smile. ‘I’m looking forward to getting to know you better.’

And then, Kaian Princeps tried to copy his parents – but he failed miserably as his taunting smirk looked more like a crooked grin. She stifled a giggle as he returned to his seat.

Her chest tightened as she spoke once again to the room. ‘I am beyond grateful for the warm welcome and kind words. I know we’ll be getting to know each other quite well over the next few months, but today, I truly want to express my gratitude for your acceptance. Without you, Eriobis would be nothing.’

The crowd shifted, the eyes of those around her softening, and she nodded, giving a smile before taking her seat. Araxia took her hand under the table, giving it a squeeze as pride overflowed from her. Sapphire allowed herself to bask in it, if only for a moment.

But as her eyes flickered to the Princeps family, Sadara and Tyden leaned in, heads bowed as they whispered to one another. Their eyes shifted around the room, finding Sapphire every few seconds, while Kaian stared at his hands in his lap.

The room hushed as Kip rose to his feet. ‘I echo my daughter’s gratitude for your presence today.’ Sapphire’s attention was taken by the new label she had just been given. My daughter. She caught his eye, and he gave her a knowing smile and she suddenly liked him more as he seemed to understand the alienness of the phrase for her. ‘We are all grateful for your support and hard work that you offer Eriobis. Let us give thanks to the Elders as we have much to be thankful for.’

The room hummed and everyone bowed their heads.

‘For the power in our veins. For the ground we tread on. For the air that fills our lungs. For the water that sustains us and the fires that fuel us. We praise them.’