‘You’ll see,’ Elspeth whispered back. Sonya’s heartbeat quickened. Was it Azam waiting for her in the kitchens? Or had something happened to Arabella?
‘Elspeth?’ Sonya said, but they made it down to the kitchen. Arabella was perfectly fine, sitting and eating her dinner.
‘Out in the garden,’ Elspeth said, nudging Sonya’s back. She stayed in the kitchen, letting Sonya go on her own. She gasped when she realized who was waiting for her.
‘Winnie!’ Sonya cried, rushing to hug her friend. ‘You’re here! You’re really here.’ A sob rose in her throat, and she quickly blinked away her tears.
‘We were worried sick,’ Winnie said, pulling back, and she wasn’t the only one there.
‘Enzo!’ Sonya cried, hugging him as well.
Winnie and Enzo both looked concerned.
‘God, you look awful,’ Winnie said, looking Sonya over. ‘When I heard you were sick, I couldn’t wait for your reply any longer. I knew I had to see you.’
‘Are they hurting you?’ Enzo asked, voice on edge. ‘Are you alright?’
She was touched by their concern and so happy to see them that she let out a laugh. Winnie and Enzo exchanged a glance, their concern deepening.
‘Sonya, if you say the word, we can run,’ Enzo said, lowering his voice. ‘We don’t have to go to the Outskirts, we can take you anywhere. Whatever you want.’
Sonya was surprised. ‘You’d do that?’ she asked.
Enzo didn’t hesitate. ‘Of course. We’re your friends.’
Winnie looked up at Enzo, eyes wide with wonder and…was that fondness?
‘We’ll do whatever we need to keep you safe,’ Winnie agreed.
Sonya smiled, looking between them. ‘Since when do you two agree on anything?’
Winnie and Enzo seemed to have reached some sort of peaceworking together to get to her. She reached for both of their hands, squeezing. ‘I’m alright,’ she said, giving them a weak smile. ‘I truly have been sick for the past few days, but I’m doing better now. A garden-witch made me a potion, and I suspect I’ll be back to perfect health tomorrow.’
‘You lookhorrid,’ Winnie said, unconvinced. ‘Why didn’t you reply to my letter?’
‘I’m sorry—my father’s advisor kept it from me. I only received it a moment ago. I haven’t even had the chance to read it yet.’ Sonya sighed. ‘How is everyone?’ she asked. ‘How is Dania? And Kiri?’
‘They miss you. We all do,’ Winnie replied. She glanced at Enzo, biting her lip.
‘Azam is miserable without you,’ Enzo said. Sonya’s chest tightened painfully.
‘I love him,’ she said, an edge entering her tone. ‘It is he who does not love me.’
Enzo and Winnie looked confused.
‘That’s not possible,’ Enzo said. ‘He loves you as surely as his heart beats.’
‘I cannot think of anything more obvious than the fact that he loves you, Sonya,’ Winnie agreed.
‘Then why won’t hespeakto me?’ Sonya asked hotly. ‘He keeps himself away.’ She shook her head. ‘He acts so formal and withdrawn, he won’t even look at me. It’s as if he’s cut me from himself and left me stranded.’
Winnie nibbled on her lower lip. ‘You are a princess,’ she said. Sonya frowned. ‘I’m not trying to make excuses for him, but you royals don’t understand what it’s like for us commoners. We’re taught that you’re above us, untouchable. Perhaps he thinks he isn’t worthy.’
‘And not only that, but knowing Azam, I am sure he is trying to do the honorable thing by letting you go,’ Enzo added.
There was no point at guessing. She needed to speak with Azam directly.
Shewouldspeak with him. Even if for the last time.
