‘I said nothing of the sort, sweet girl,’ the queen replied, patting her hand gently. ‘Simply passing idioms.’ But the upward tug of the woman’s lips told Sapphire everything she needed to know.

The carriage door swung open, and Sapphire stepped out first, allowing the coachman to assist her. Araxia followed and, almost in unison, they took a deep breath, staring up at the house.

Sapphire felt Araxia’s hand in her own, and let the moment just be.

Almost on cue, the Princeps stepped out to greet them. Sapphire was relieved to find that Tyden was absent but Kaian was there – a slight smirk on his face.

She had to wonder, as Sadara took them in, if the Princeps woman felt the same dread as she did. If so, she did not show it.

‘Your majesty, princess. I am so glad you could make it.’

Sadara did not bow with Kaian, which Sapphire found surprising. She averted her gaze, but the queen looked straight ahead, unbothered by the disrespect.

Sapphire met Sadara’s stare, and a smirk played on Sadara’s lips.

An unfamiliar and jarring sensation struck Sapphire, an urge to move closer to the woman beside her. Her mother.

Sapphire squeezed Araxia’s hand as they made their way up the stairs, and the queen gave her a grateful smile.

At least, it seemed, one thread united her two worlds.

Family.

She had learned early on that family came in many different forms: a room with too many beds, a dinner table that was overcrowded, and a list of chores that never seemed to end.

But maybe, she considered, family wasn’t just … a checklist.

Together they followed Sadara into the main entry as Kaian veered off in a different direction. Sapphire handed her cloak to a cruel-looking man and shivered in the draught. The walls were lined with art, and the curtains were entirely drawn so no natural light bled through. She felt her breath catch as she recalled the darkness of the cage she had found herself in at her arrival. The crushing loneliness. A tug on her arm broke her rising panic, and she looked to Araxia, who gave her a gentle nod.

As they entered the dining room, Kaian immediately stood as any well-trained gentleman would. But as he pulled out his mother’s chair, he smirked again, and Sapphire had to bite back a laugh.

‘Lunch is running behind. Kaian, what a great time to show Sapphire the grounds.’ Sadara turned to look at Araxia before Sapphire had a chance to sit too. ‘I do have a few things I’d like to discuss with you, my queen.’

Araxia’s jaw clenched as she gripped the chair’s arm, but she delivered a tight-lipped smile in response. The queen’s eyes searched Sapphire’s face, allowing her the luxury of making her own choices. Sadara arched an impatient but amused eyebrow like she was enjoying the uncertain exchange.