My heart began to beat faster since I knew why they were here. It’d been my idea after all.
All of them were fae who had known me throughout my lifetime. Gwenery and Timith came through first, then Ree and her husband Bennif, followed by Loolee and my previous instructors at my university, then neighbors who had known me since I was eight summers old, as well as the friends I’d made throughout my lifetime. But the very last fae to walk through the door were Betsee and Nathaniel.
My heart warmed at seeing the lady’s attendant, and she dipped her head slightly in my direction as her cheeks pinked. But Nathaniel’s appearance caught me completely by surprise, and given Lady Ryderdim’s gasp, it’d done the same to her.
Regardless of their support, my entire body was tense as each and every one of them lined up to give their testimonies.
“These are fae who have known Primelle throughout her life as well as a few who’ve met her recently.” My father waved Gwen and Timith forward. “They’re all here to share their assessment of her character. I’m hopeful that after you hear their stories, you will no longer believe my daughter is someone to fear.”
Gwen smiled in my direction, and her lilac-colored hair shone in the fairy lights. She began to tell the council what it’d been like raising me in the Clawfur Mountains. Timith joined in too, recounting stories of how I’d learned to curb my impulses and respect the dangers of my magic as I grew.
They shared anecdotes of my childhood, grades I’d received in primary school that included assessments of my behavior,the caring nature they’d seen in me time and time again, how I embodied true empathy and compassion, and so forth.
It went on long enough that my cheeks began to pink in embarrassment, and my father had to eventually stop them. I had a feeling they would have spoken until sunset if allowed. But that just made me love them even more. They were fiercely supportive of me, and despite my embarrassment, my eyes were misting, and my heart nearly burst with love for them.
Across the table, Koraline eyed me. Her look was entirely veiled, but at least her sneer was gone.
Once Gwen and Timith retreated, my friends, instructors, and neighbors came forth. All of them shared similar stories, but not quite as long or heartfelt as Gwen and Timith. Even Abel gave a begrudging positive report of me, surprising me, but I appreciated that he didn’t try to tarnish my reputation simply because I’d refused his advances.
When everyone had finished their testimonies, including Betsee, who’d told the council that I’d been nothing but kind and welcoming to her, as well as Nathaniel who stated he’d seen how studiously I’d worked in the library before learning of my true lineage, they were ushered out by the guards, and I sat numbly with my hands clasped in my lap.
For a moment, all of the House leaders were quiet as they looked at me contemplatively.
At last, Lordling Deerwood leaned forward and broke the quiet. “If Princess Primelle was truly never a threat, then why did you have her cuffed when she first arrived back in the palace?”
I gave my father a worried look, and he inhaled sharply. “The queen and I had hoped to put those around our daughter at ease. We didn’t know what kind of reaction she would receive, but we didn’t want anyone’s fear causing rash and unjust assessments of her.”
I lifted my wrist, now bare of the cuff. “But as you can see, I’m not cuffed now, and I haven’t hurt anyone in all the time I’ve been here.”
“But can youprovethat?” Lady Ryderdim demanded. “What proof do we have that you’re not affecting us at this very moment? You could be. Your magic is that powerful, if I remember right.”
“If I was, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation,” I replied simply and shrugged. “If I’d altered your thoughts, you would be accepting of me now, but you’re not, so how is thatnotproof?”
The elderly House leader’s eyes narrowed, but several of the others seemed to consider that.
The discussions resumed. Each House leader asked specific questions and asked for examples of what the crown would do should anything dangerous occur due to my magic.
Throughout it all, Koraline remained silent, like I was for the most part, as those around me judged what would happen if I ever turned into a nightmare.
All agreed that if I ever returned to my childish antics from my youngest days or if it became learned that Iwasusing my magic to control others, I would have to be banished from the kingdom once more. It was either that or I would be forced to ingest magic-suppressing potions that I could now safely take as an adult.
And while those consequences horrified me, I was at least relieved that the leaders were willing to give me a chance, a true chance at joining the kingdom, yet I also knew I couldneverstumble. Even if I accidentally used my magic, not intending to harm anyone, I wouldn’t be given a second chance.
I was mentally exhausted by the time the meeting finished, but at least the House leaders were no longer looking at me as though I were a monster.
But I had a feeling it would be a long while before Lady Ryderdim didn’t look at me with disdain. I snorted inwardly. Centuries, most likely, if Nathaniel was to be believed. But he’d no doubt been right. The elderly lady definitely struck me as someone who held a grudge.
When the meeting concluded, I wanted to approach Koraline, hoping beyond hope that perhaps she’d finally come to realize that I truly was sorry for the pain I’d inflicted on her as a wee child, but other than murmuring a goodbye to our father, she didn’t look at me again.
But it was the night of her ball, and I knew she probably had many things to do to get ready.
Still, it hurt.
Stiffly, I stood and followed Kole back to my chambers. I didn’t know how things would be for me with my kingdom and family in the coming months and seasons, but I supposed that only time would tell.
However, I didn’t have time to think about that further. Koraline’s ball was tonight, and I could only hope that it didn’t end as disastrously as mine had.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
