The girl smiled at her but it didn’t reach her eyes, and Sapphire felt apprehension build inside her, a lingering feeling that she had done too much. Once they had returned to the library and settled back in the large chairs by the windows, she studied her friend.

Evera looked anywhere but at Sapphire.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Her body ached, begging for a break from the constant assault she faced from the queen’s training. But she was getting stronger, better. Her control was improving. Her technique becoming more focused.

But she couldn’t outrun the exhaustion that clung to her.

This morning was no different. Her eyelids were heavy as she walked alongside Claye.

‘Everything OK, princess? You’ve been pretty quiet this morning.’

‘I’m fine. Just thinking,’ She felt Claye’s eyes on her, and she shrugged. ‘Are you trying to analyse me?’

‘Never,’ Claye responded with a bit more bounce in his step. They paused in front of the door. ‘Good luck with getting what you want.’

‘How did you –’

‘You’re a bit easier to read than you’d expect. I don’t know what you’re going to ask for, but I do hope it goes well for you.’

Sapphire rolled her eyes and tried not to smile.

‘You’re going to make me late.’ Claye just shook his head as he pulled at the door.

Araxia and Kip smiled as she entered. Good. They were happy to see her, so maybe today she would get a yes. She couldn’t put her finger on why she was so nervous about asking to go out of the castle to see Evera, but she was. Maybe it was because she desperately needed to see her friend. She hadn’t seen Evera since the training grounds session – the girl managing to slip out of the castle each time before Sapphire visited the library.

She couldn’t fight the brimming thought that Evera was avoiding her, and the possibility was eating her alive.

It was a new feeling – relying so heavily on someone. Witrotean was not a world that offered the luxury of depending on others.

But she needed Evera’s steady presence more than she’d like to admit. And after a lifetime of running from people, she had come to find security in her friend. Security she desperately yearned for, especially right now.

Araxia had announced it at dinner yesterday: Sadara’s letter had arrived, and the date of her duel with Kaian was set.

Sapphire had been unexpectedly nervous.

She imagined herself locked in battle – struggling. She imagined eyes upon her, the same thought in every mind: a mortal girl who should’ve remained in mortal lands. But then she felt it, the unforgettable surge of power under her skin – the sensation of the world being at her call. Feral magic, untamed and unashamed.

The royal daughter. The heir to the throne.

So, despite her nerves, she told herself she was ready.