Evelyn sank to her knees in the wet sand, gasping for breath as she sobbed so hard it hurt.
It’s all my fault. It’s all my fault. It’s all my fault. It’s all my fault. It’s all my fault.
She didn’t know how much time passed. Leo didn’t come back. The ache in her chest pounded.
If I stay here, maybe the tide will take me away.
Evelyn didn’t notice Damien approach until he kneeled in front of her.
“Hey, Princess,” he said quietly.
She looked up at him and tears threatened to overwhelm her again. “Hehatesme.”
Damien frowned. “He’s angry.”
Evelyn shook her head. “He said he’s done. He left.”
“He’ll calm down.”
“What if he doesn’t? What am I supposed to do?”
Damien lifted her chin. “Stand up straight and smile. Pretend you’re a queen.”
Evelyn stared at the light in his green eyes like she’d found a beacon in the darkness. “I am a queen.”
“Then pretend to be good at it.” Damien lowered his hand from her face but didn’t break eye contact.
“You really think I can be a queen here after everything that’s happened?” Evelyn asked.
“You already are. The Royal Army is following your orders. I’m supposed to be on my way to the Vision Court. This is your kingdom, and you’re already protecting it.”
“I’m cleaning up the mess I made.”
Damien took Evelyn’s right hand and ran his thumb over her knuckles. “Do you trust me?”
“You know I do.”
“Then believe me when I say the Kingdom of Gryon needs you.”
Evelyn reached out and traced the gold music note embroidered on Damien’s tunic. He stayed perfectly still, but she could feel his heart racing.
“Will you stay with me?” she asked.
Damien gave her a smile she didn’t deserve.
“Always, Evelyn,” he promised. “I’m yours.”
Evelyn stared at herself in the bathroom mirror. Her face was puffy and tear-stained. Her dress was damp and covered in sand. Her crimson curls were mangled from the wind.
She picked up her silver crown, with diamonds and sapphires that matched her wedding ring, and placed it gently on her head.
“I am the Queen of Gryon. I swore an oath to protect the kingdom and defend its people.”
She gritted her teeth and forced herself not to look away from the mirror.
“I made mistakes, but I will fix them. I will be honest and honorable. I will be the queen this kingdom deserves.”
Evelyn glared at her reflection as a rogue tear ran down her cheek.
“And anyone who tries to hurt my family and friends will burn.”
