They had moved her to her ‘true’ bedroom four days ago and she was beyond pleased with the progress in making it her own. Greenery filled every corner, a small pond bubbled by the window, allowing her to practise when she couldn’t sleep, and the shelves were nearly bursting with gorgeous tomes about Eriobis history, their spines cracked with time and use. Their colours brought much-needed warmth to the space. In the far corner was the easel and sketchpad she had requested – fresh paints and charcoal sat ready for her use.

But best of all was her view.

She had thought the views of the lakes and the garden were the finest imaginable, but she was wrong. Because outside of her window was a large waterfall crashing over a cliff in the distance. She had a view of the sprawling gardens that she had come to love, the bright colours greeting her every morning. She had a partial view of the vineyards and groves as well. But she found that her gaze always wandered back to the large waterfall. She spent much of her time admiring it – and sometimes, for only a few moments, she even felt at home.

Still, she hadn’t escaped the heaviness entirely. And sometimes, she found herself drowning in guilt and sadness at the thought of the Home crumbling while jewels were laid upon her neck. She wondered if they still searched for her. If they stumbled through the woodlands whispering her name.

Now, the thoughts of home made her exhaustion grow, and she crawled further into the overly plush bed, shaking the images of Beasts and hungry faces from her mind.

‘Sapphire?’

A firm hand shook her awake, and she peeled open her eyes to find Claye standing over her.

‘We’re almost ready to travel to Aleburn. I’ll call for the maidens to prepare you.’

The maidens worked quickly, forcing her into a dress, combing her hair, and making her presentable. An hour later, she was escorted out of the door heading towards the entrance of the castle.

‘I am going to the governor’s to collect a few things for your father,’ Claye said when they arrived. ‘Sapphire, I am trusting you will be safe. Do not leave the Viottos’ home. Do not discuss family business. And enjoy your time.’

She nodded, and Claye returned his attention to whatever he was reading, as a coachman opened the door, offering his hand. Sapphire took it, stepping out of the carriage with as much grace as she could. The neighbours’ eyes were on her, and she smiled at them as she pressed the wrinkles out of her dress with her palms. As she walked, she noticed the hem dragging along the ground. The white lining turned a terrible shade of deep red.