She would be scolded for not lifting the dress. She knew that. It was probably ruined – the expensive fabric shredded by the terrain. But after weeks in the castle, everything so prim and pressed, it felt good to ruin something.

For a moment, she paused, recalling the first time she had approached this door, barefoot and afraid. It seemed like an entire lifetime ago.

As she extended her arm to knock, the door swung open to reveal Lelani standing in front of her, a surprised and confused expression on her face.

‘Sapphire? I-I mean, princess?’ Lelani looked over her shoulder at something Sapphire couldn’t see.

‘I apologize for the unannounced arrival, Mrs Viotto. I just – I just needed to come here. To say thank you for what you and your family have done for me.’

Something in the older woman’s face softened, and she reached out with a gentle hand to pat Sapphire’s arm. Sapphire clung to the woman’s warmth, wishing she would linger a second longer. The touch was so natural and maternal it made her heart ache.

‘You look very different from the last time I saw you.’

‘I think this suits me much better than bare feet and a tattered nightgown, don’t you?’

‘I have to agree,’ Lelani laughed.

Sapphire stepped inside and immediately relaxed. Something about the Viottos’ was so comforting. The walls were filled with home-made art. The furniture was worn in and well-used. It smelled sweet, like they had been baking.

‘Is Evera here?’

‘Oh, Sapphire,’ said Evera’s voice, sounding slightly taken aback. ‘I wasn’t expecting to see you here.’

Sapphire whirled around to find Evera standing at the bottom of the stairs.

‘I just came to thank your family for their kindness when I needed it most. I’m not sure what I would’ve done without you.’

Evera smiled as Lelani pulled Sapphire into a hug. Sapphire longed to remain there a bit longer but Lelani released her and Evera jerked her head, signalling Sapphire to follow her. Once in Evera’s room, Sapphire studied every inch of the space. Pictures lined the wall, candles and books were stacked atop the bedside table and desk, clothes littered the floor. Sapphire smiled at the mess, enjoyed it even.

‘Sorry,’ Evera said, noticing her focus. ‘I wasn’t expecting guests.’

‘It doesn’t bother me.’ Sapphire shrugged.

Evera sat down on the floor, offering Sapphire the bed, but Sapphire refused and joined her on the floor.

‘My family attended the Introduction. You looked beautiful, I hear.’

Sapphire smiled at her.

‘Thank you.’

‘Yesterday was … something.’ Evera shoved a pile of clothes under her bed. ‘Now, tell me everything.’

Sapphire indulged her – telling her everything about training, rehearsals, etiquette, and roaming the castle grounds.

‘It went well, I suppose,’ she admitted, finally getting to yesterday’s lunch. ‘But there was one family – the governors of Ciliria – they weren’t the most … welcoming.’