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Thicket’s heart clenched. She had stopped Lavender without killing her, but it appeared as though her sister wasn’t out of death’s grasp quite yet. “When will…” she couldn’t even bring herself to say the words.

“The Council wants the people of Vindrya there to witness it, believing it will bring the peace of mind they deserve to be able to move on with their lives. As we arrange for transportation from Sleeria to Minloc, the Soumort Princess will remain in her cell. However, we cannot risk her regaining strength. She will be brought to the square in a matter of days.”

“Does she have to die?” Thicket asked. She knew Lavender was a monster. Knew that even now, imprisoned and dethroned, Lavender clung to her hatred like a lifeline. Thicket believed she deserved to pay for her crimes, but she couldn’t come to terms with the thought that the only solution meant killing her. “I can put up barriers, ones her magic isn’t strong enough to break.”

“I do not want you to carry that weight, Miss Vogeli. If she ever did escape, the hatred and blame of everything she ever did would shift to you. This is the only way.”

Thicket’s gut twisted, but she nodded, tracing the velvety edges of Bayo’s ears. After a long moment, she said, “I broke the sleeping curse.”

A blink of surprise was the only reaction Caspian showed. “And your memories?”

She shook her head. “I don’t feel the presence of the curse anymore. But my memories haven’t returned.”

There was a brief moment of silence in which Thicket’s fingers strangled the sheets, waiting for the lecture. The disappointment. But Caspian just rested a hand on top of her head and said, “That just means we will have to work extra hard to prepare you for your coronation.” He ruffled her hair. “I am proud of you, Thicket and more grateful than you will ever know. You are going to make a wonderful Queen—just as you are.”

Thicket’s eyes stung. That was all she had ever wanted from her mother. Thicket knew she had never been real, but with the absence of both her real mother and the memories of her, she longed for the unconditional love and acceptance of a parent. She couldn’t help but feel as though she had found that in Caspian. Thicket threw her arms around him, not able to help the tears from streaming down her face. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.”

“Yes. You would have. Your parents would have been so proud.”

Thicket bit the inside of her cheek, hesitating before asking, “Can you show me my old room? The one I stayed in before the curse?”

Caspian pursed his lips. “There will be time for that later. You should rest now.”

“I’ve already been resting. Please. I want to see where I grew up.”

Caspian sighed. “Very well, Miss Vogeli. But first, let me have the guards inspect the wing in case the Soumort Princess left behind any traps. Use that opportunity to freshen up.”

As if summoned by his words, Lotta emerged from the bathroom. “Your bath is ready, Your Highness.”

Thicket slid off the bed as the door clicked shut behind Caspian. “I thought you said you would stop calling me that.”

“I did, however, not in front of Mr. Lazare.” Lotta glanced towards the door, as if ensuring he was truly gone, before pulling Thicket into a fierce hug. “Thank you,” she said. “For saving my home, and for the kindness you showed my brothers.”

Thicket squeezed Lotta tight. “Thank you for bringing everyone here.”

“I told you,” Lotta said, pulling away and wiping her eyes. “The weight of this kingdom isn’t yours to carry alone.”

Chapter Fifty-One

An hour later Caspian led her to the wing reserved for the royal family. “Do you want me to go with you?” he asked.

Thicket shook her head. She needed to do this on her own.

Caspian hesitated. “You might not like what you find.”

“I will be okay.” She had survived worse.

With a slight dip of his head, Caspian left, leaving her with two guards stationed at the entrance to the wing. They reminded her of Marcellus. The last time she had seen him, he had collapsed after shielding her body from Lavender. A large part of her wanted to run to his rooms and see for herself that he was okay, but she couldn’t shake the words Lotta had told her.

The doctors said it will take a few days before he can resume his usual duties.

It hadn’t been a report given to her as someone important to him. It had been equivalent to an update she would have given Mr. Dunkum had she been forced to stay home for a few days with the flu.

Despite everything that had happened, she was reminded once again that he was only here because this was his occupation. His duty, one he had taken to avenge his family.

Lavender was no longer queen. She was behind bars and would very soon never be able to hurt anyone else again. Marcellus’ family was avenged. He had gotten her here. He had accomplished everything he wanted to do. It terrified her more than it should to think about what came next.

I don’t want to be your friend. It’s too much.