The Queen.
When she entered the room, she hesitated.
I felt it before I saw it—the stillness in the air. I tensed.
I didn’t look up right away. But I heard her move, the soft rustle of silk, the measured grace of someone who’d been taught not to stumble.
She crossed the room and took the seat directly across from me at the long table.
I glanced up, briefly.
She was dressed in swathes of green and gold—rich colours that caught the morning light and made her look too bright for a room this quiet.
Her gown was perfectly tailored, her posture flawless.
Rings adorned nearly every finger, gemstones catching the light like tiny, watching eyes.
She looked like a queen.
And I felt like a crack in the wall.
She offered me a small smile.
“Good morning, Elira,” she said, her voice soft—careful, like I might shatter.
“Good morning,” I replied, my voice rough with disuse.
It sounded strange in the quiet. Like it didn’t belong to me.
Behind her, I heard footsteps.
Jasper entered first, followed by Maddie and Leo.
Leo’s eyes found mine immediately—sharp with concern. He took the seat beside me without a word.
Maddie hesitated, her gaze flicking over me like she was checking for bruises she couldn’t see. Then she slid quietly into the seat next to Jasper.
“Morning,” she said gently.
I offered her a small smile—thin, automatic. It didn’t reach my eyes.
There were too many people here now. I pulled my arms in tight and hunched my shoulders, shrinking without meaning to.
The Queen’s smile faltered, just slightly.
“So,” she said, her voice too light, too hopeful. “I have good news. Some of the local provinces—Sorrowsea and Velmere among them—have expressed interest in meeting you.”
My stomach twisted.
“I was thinking,” she continued, “perhaps a ball. Or a dinner. Something small. Gentle.”
Leo cast me a quick look.
I closed my eyes. The wordballhit like a stone in my chest.
No.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea, Your Majesty?” Leo asked, his tone careful—but not without an edge.
