She steps forward. “What is going on?” she asks, worry now lining her voice, her eyes.
“I’m the High Princess,” I blurt. “I’m next in line for the throne.”
She narrows her eyes and crosses her arms. “Mae, come on. We have customers waiting,” she says impatiently.
I stare back at her, my eyes locked onto hers. “I’m serious, Cal. King Silas was my dad. That’s why I was summoned. I’m the next High Queen.”
She stares at me for a second, most likely waiting for me to smile or give some other indication this is all one big joke. When I don’t, her arms drop to her sides and her eyes widen, annoyance now replaced by shock.
“Wait. You’re actually serious?” I bite my lip as I nod in confirmation. “Hold on.” She pushes past me and exits the office. I trail behind her, following her to the front of the store.
“I’m so sorry, but we have to close early today,” she says to a deer hybrid, ushering him from the store as politely as she can. Next, she turns to Ivan and Elle. “I’m so sorry, but—”
“They’re with me,” I call from behind her. “They can stay. They know.”
Cally turns away from them and flips the sign on the front door toClosed.She turns back to them, arms crossed again as she stares at Elle. “Who are you?”
Elle’s posture is straight, her tone official as she says, “My name is Elle. I am an advisor to the High Family.”
Cally turns her gaze to Luca next. Before she can ask, he says, “Luca. Advisor to the High Family.”
Finally, Cally turns slowly, eyes wide as they land on me. “Mother,” she swears, sinking into a chair by the window overlooking Main Street. I sit in the chair beside her and recount my conversation with Ivan.
Luca and Elle stand by the front door like silent sentries for the entire conversation.
“Well, I guess it’s safe to assume you won’t be pursuing things with Killan?” Cally asks after I finish telling her everything.
I snort. “Yeah, I guess there’s my way out of that relationship.” I sit back in my chair, that familiar ball of anxiety returning. “I have to talk to Willa.”
Cally lets out a breath as she leans back in her chair. “I can’t believe she knew the whole time.”
I nod slowly, lost in my thoughts as I think about speaking with her. I’m not sure which news was more shocking to me: King Silas being my father or Willa knowing he was.
Luca clears his throat, breaking the brief moment of silence. “Your Highness, not to rush you…But we must return to the castle before nightfall.”
Cally’s eyes widen at the official title. She stands, gesturing toward the door. “By all means, Your Highness, don’t let me keep you,” she says faux mockingly, her eyes twinkling.
I roll my eyes as I stand, pulling her in for a tight hug.
“Don’t forget about me when you’re in your castle,” she says, eyes still twinkling as she pulls away from me.
I give her a final goodbye before I lead Elle and Luca out the front door. We head to an empty alley, then Luca creates the portal to Willa’s. I step into the portal as Elle pulls me forward. The whoosh of the portal reverberates through my ears but ceases as I step onto the gravel path that leads to my childhood home nestled in the tall pine trees.
My entire life has changed since the last time I was here, only a week ago.
Elle falls in step beside me as I walk down the path. “How do you think your aunt will respond to us showing up at her front door?”
I consider this. “She’ll probably be surprised at first. But she knew who my father was, and I would assume she’s aware that the royal family has died. I imagine she will be expecting it.”
We approach the house, and I immediately head toward the front steps, eager to see Willa, but Luca stops me.
“Mae, wait a second. You may think we’re being overly cautious, but I think it’s best if one of us goes first.” He hesitates before adding, “We’re not entirely sure if it’s safe. We have no idea if the people who hurt your father have been here or if they’re waiting inside for you.”
His words stun me. I hadn’t even considered that.Oh.Is this a trap? Is Willa lying in the living room dead as we stand here? Glancing toward the house, I ask, “Do you think…do you think Willa’s in danger?”
Elle speaks up, “I’ll go. You two stay here.”
He gives her a curt nod, and Elle steps to the front door, rapping her knuckles on the red door three times. A moment later, the door flies open. Willa stands in the doorway, her long raven hair pulled back into a tight bun at the nape of her neck. She glances down at Elle’s outfit, eyes narrowing as she notes the royal crest pinned to her chest.
