His hearty laugh filled the air around them. ‘Angry? Princess, I am relieved.’ He looked up to the sky thoughtfully. ‘How to put this?’ he started. ‘Better your neck breaks beneath the burden than mine.’

‘Well, that’s comforting.’

He shrugged, patting her arm. ‘The Canmores have a way with the world, Sapphire. You are no different. Trust me on that. The role suits you.’

She wondered how someone raised by Sadara and Tyden could be so charming. His crooked smile and now-rumpled tunic made him look entirely harmless. Nothing like the warnings Claye had offered her.

Much too soon, a voice called out that lunch was ready. Kaian bowed his head quickly before escorting her back.

Araxia did most of the talking during the meal, giving the most simple and well-rehearsed answers she could offer to Sadara’s probing questions about Sapphire’s return. Sapphire studied her hands as they chatted, picking at the beds of her nails, which were already chewed ragged. The conversation was stilted and moved slowly.

‘Sapphire, how is training going? I am sure it is difficult to begin at a much older age than most.’

‘Training is going smoothly. I am being trained by the best –’ she smiled at Araxia – ‘so while there are hurdles many did not face, my progress is swift, and I am well on my way to achieving the Canmore power we all know.’

‘I think it’s admirable, highness,’ Kaian finally spoke. ‘To come from a land of no magic, a childhood with no exposure, and to simply trust what is within you. It’s impressive. You’re impressive.’

Kaian’s cheeks flushed slightly as he returned his eyes to the golden buttons on the cuffs of his sleeve.

‘Impressive, indeed. You know, I was thinking that Kaian and Sapphire could duel.’ Sadara cut her eyes to her son and he stiffened. ‘Seeing that she missed so much with her absence, I’m sure it would be wonderful for her to flex her powers in a proper setting.’

Araxia’s body went rigid. ‘Sapphire is still growing and understanding her true potential. I’m not sure duelling would be beneficial.’

‘But all children go through duelling practice, Araxia. You and I certainly did.’

At the use of the queen’s first name all the air seemed to leave the room.

‘Yes, but my daughter’s path is quite unique, wouldn’t you say?’ the queen countered.

Right then, Sapphire realized Sadara had got what she wanted. She smirked, looking victorious while Kaian stared at the floor.

‘Oh, we know.’

The way the woman stared down her nose at her. The way she refused to call Araxia by her proper title. The way the woman didn’t believe she could hold her own in a duel.

‘I accept.’

A fork clattered against one of the plates, but silence followed. Sapphire saw red as she met Kaian’s panicked gaze. If they wanted a fight, she’d give them one.