“My sweet Laurel,” she said as she adjusted the wreath. “You’re named after the Thayarian crown. It’s made of gilded laurel as an homage to the foliage that grows so abundantly here. I wanted to give you a name that was worthy of the beautiful and magical life I knew you would live.” Her soft fingers brushed against my cheeks, and she smelled like lavender and sea salt as she leaned down to kiss the top of my head.

The fresh laurel wreath, a Thayarian symbol of spring and the innocence of childhood, felt so light that day. I had worn it proudly, head floating in the clouds with dreams of one day wearing the real thing as I skipped around the palace, showing off my wreath to anyone who passed me by. Now, the crown is yet another reminder of the loss of parents who should have lived another thousand years, a constant sign that I haven’t lived up to their legacy.

Taking several deep breaths, I look at myself in the mirror until I see a queen staring back, fearless and ready to play the role of the terrifying and mad Witch Queen. A role that has kept my people safe from interest in the shrouded, misty kingdom these last centuries.

A knock at the door pulls me out of my deep focus. Nemesia and Admon enter, both dressed in emerald green pant suits that compliment my dress. We make an imposing triad clad in dark clothing and stacked with weapons. Diaskia appears at the door, shoulders tense, and we follow her into the western wing of the palace, the four guards following closely behind.

The hallway is lined with open alcoves overlooking the sea, the blue sparkling against the white framing arches. The chambers the Forum will be held in are on the first level, and soon we enter a large room with a massive circular table in the middle. There are four equally impressive chairs spaced evenly around the table, with smaller chairs on either side for the advisors.

“It appears you’re the first to arrive,” Diaskia says, and she gestures to the closest set of chairs. “You may take a seat when you’re ready. Your guards are to stand against the wall or in the hallway beyond.” With that, Diaskia leaves us.

Nemesia immediately takes charge, ordering two guards to stay in the room and the other two to remain outside and on alert. Admon looks my way and gives me an encouraging smile, his blue eyes twinkling.