‘It’s going to be OK,’ the queen chanted softly. To herself, to her daughter, to the healers rushing into the arena. Sapphire couldn’t tell which.

The weight of the attention caused her to step closer to Araxia, like a child cowering.

‘Let them stare. You are their future queen. They know that now.’

Crazy, just like that mother of yours.

Araxia guided her to the carriage and left, saying she would return shortly. Sapphire was about to mount the stairs when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She winced before she turned to find Evera, and relief washed over her.

‘You promised me, Sapphire. You promised you wouldn’t give in.’

The relief she had felt turned to icy dread as she reached out for her friend. Evera flinched.

‘I – it wasn’t – I didn’t want to.’

Evera stared at Sapphire’s hand on her arm, and the princess pulled it away quickly.

‘Why didn’t you stop?’

‘I couldn’t.’ Sapphire’s voice was only a raw, broken whisper. ‘I couldn’t make it stop.’

Evera frowned but softened slightly.

‘What do you mean? Is there something you aren’t telling me?’

The princess’s shoulders sagged. Yes, she wanted to say. Yes, please help me. I can’t escape this. But she feared if she’d admit it, she’d lose her friend entirely.

‘I-I am still new to this. I am still trying to understand this … this power, who I am, and what it means to me. I will learn. I will. But please …’

Evera tapped her worn boot against the ground, contemplating Sapphire’s plea.

‘I think sometimes I forget everything you’ve been through.’ The girl reached out her hand, and the princess accepted it. ‘My expectations aren’t reasonable. Just – I – I need you to remain here. I need you.’

Sapphire squeezed her hand, not needing to tell the girl that she would remain as long as Evera would allow her in her life.

‘If it helps, I heard the crowd talking about you. Only the queen’s daughter could call on rain and control it like you did. If you didn’t have their respect before, you do now.’

A soft smile spread unexpectedly across Sapphire’s face. Being referred to as the queen’s daughter sat with her much better than it had before. But as she looked past her friend, she saw the wary expressions of onlookers as they pressed closer, trying to get a better view. She quickly hugged Evera, promising to visit soon, and took Claye’s hand as he assisted her into the carriage.

She collapsed against the cushioned seat, exhausted by everything that had happened. And when the door swung open again moments later, she was disappointed that it was Claye who joined her.

‘Where’s Araxia?’

‘She’s the queen, princess. She has to address the people properly.’

‘Oh.’