“The rest of my mother’s things…that were transferred to the western tower.” The dress slipped in place over my straight figure. “Do you think?—”
“You know it’s forbidden.” Milana pulled the corset ribbons tight to make curves I didn’t have. My dark, long waves fell on the embroidered swirls of the blue fabric.
Milana tugged again at the corset ribbons. “Don’t try his patience. Whatever you’re planning?—”
“I’ve already been.”
“Now that you’ve gotten that notion out of your mind. You’ll do your best to stay away.” Milana tugged the corset ribbons tighter—the weight of the boning pressing into my chest. “Tell no one that you went.”
“I didn’t just go there…” I wedged my fingers into the narrow gap.
She removed my hand and tied the bow in place. I should have loosened it more.
I grasped the glass drawer pull and yanked it open. Milana peered inside at the leather book. With trembling hands, she combed her fingers through her hair as I pulled the necklace free.
She shook her head and then froze. “The king locked the tower. How did you enter? How did you find them?”
I couldn’t tell her what I thought I heard. What made me go. “It wasn’t locked. These were the smallest things I could find to take.” The gemstone shone brightly as it hung from the chain. “I don’t remember seeing her wear this—or keeping this book.”
Her brow rose. “You wouldn’t. They’re not hers.”
I had stolen things that didn’t belong to her. Risked my father’s wrath to take something that wasn't even hers. I almost dropped the chain, before she spoke again.
“They are yours, Your Highness. She planned to give them to you when you grew up.”
There were so few things I owned of my mother’s. So few memories I got to keep. Yet these things were mine. A gift from her I could always keep.
“Why would he lock them away? He kept them from me.” I felt the heat growing steady, rising through my chest with each word I spoke. He had to have known they weren’t hers. Maybe he even knew what she intended—and he kept it all from me.
“I don’t know.” Her lip quivered.
She knew—and wouldn’t tell me.
“We can discuss it another time. Your father will not tolerate you showing up late.” Milana shut the drawer.
As I headed for the door, she placed her hand on my back. “Your Highness. Wait.” Her hand hovered over the drawer pull as if she debated opening it again. “Your mother always believed that if you look to the stars, they will share their wisdom with you. Later tonight may be the perfect time to reflect. Take the book with you.”
I had peeked at it already. It was a blank book, but there wasn’t time to argue.
“Now don’t delay. Your future husband awaits.” Her lips curved into a tender smile.
I wanted to keep them all waiting. I needed answers no one would give me—about what I overheard, about the gifts he held from me. It was clear no one would give that to me.
I peered at my reflection in the mirror, and for a moment, I felt my mother’s presence with me still. It wasn’t enough, but for now it would have to be.
Silence settled as my slippers hit the marble floor of the throne room. I lifted my chin as my shoulders rolled back.
My father sat on his gilded throne—his gaze lingered on my mother’s pearls. My younger sister, Ashlyn, wore a braided blonde crown upon her head—a sweet smile formed on her face the moment she saw me.
Agan stood beside her, his golden braid taut, his head high. I willed my hands to still at my sides. My legs resisted every step that moved me closer to the throne. When my body pivoted toward the court, the room stilled.
“Presenting Lord Thalen of the Vale, your majesty,” the herald announced.
Three men lined the entrance to the throne room, each dressed in inky black tunics. A golden emblem hovered over their shoulders where cloaks met leather.
Only one stepped forward.
His white-blonde hair hung well below his shoulders, braided back away from his face. The candlelight flickered in his cerulean eyes.
