‘I think that’s a great idea, Sadara,’ Sapphire said, deciding to play along. The woman flinched at the use of her first name. ‘Ready?’

Kaian met her gaze, nodding before standing to offer his arm. She took it and at once they made their way through the large glass doors in the back of the room. Neither spoke until they were ten paces away from the house, both welcoming the fresh air with deep breaths.

‘Well, welcome to Ciliria.’ He spread his arms out wide as if to offer her the world, and she chuckled at the sight. He looked like a child showing off his finest toy, and she couldn’t help but notice that today he looked more like a boy than a man. His hair was more ruffled, and his formal robes had been replaced by a simpler tunic and trousers.

He grinned. ‘When my mother is scheming, she can play nice.’

‘Duly noted.’ She looked out into the gardens – the forest rolling on forever. ‘The forest seems … peaceful.’

‘It rains a lot, and it’s hard to get proper sunlight when I’m trying to paint. But I suppose I enjoy it.’

‘You paint?’ Something within her flickered.

‘I do. But once again, if anyone asks, I bullied you nearly to tears and have never touched an easel in my life.’

‘Right,’ Sapphire replied with a laugh. ‘Your reputation.’

‘My family’s reputation,’ he corrected her with a cluck of his tongue. ‘Not something I’m terribly interested in upholding, but life is much easier if I do.’

Sapphire relaxed on a bench, her body happy to have a break from supporting the heavy fabrics of her dress. They were quiet for a moment before Sapphire found the courage to ask the question that had been on her mind for some time.

‘Kaian, were you hoping to take the throne before I arrived?’

He turned to face her quickly, his body rigid. He did not answer at first, as if he feared a careless answer would undo him. Finally, he joined her on the bench, running a hand through his hair and tousling it.

‘The throne,’ he said, heaving a sigh. ‘Would you believe me if I said I never wanted it, no matter how much it was wanted for me? From the very first screaming breath I took in this world, I was meant to rule as Ciliria’s governor, to keep these people, these lands safe. I look out at the clearings, the central temple in which I have prayed since I was a boy, and my blood sings. I never wanted to be king.’

‘But …?’ Sapphire pushed.

‘But my parents saw an opportunity.’ He blushed at the admission. ‘So, while I wasn’t hoping to take the throne, I was willing to.’

Sapphire chewed her bottom lip. ‘Are you angry I came back?’