was not the walls or towers that made it feel vast-i

the silver chain around her neck. Her reflection in the tall mirror was framed by gilded edges and sunlight spilling through sheer curtains.

g around, "do you think it's w

her letter. She looked up at her sister-so vibrant, so hopeful, s

use if he loves me, everything changes. I'll be someone agai

ply. "I want you to be happy.

rack in it. "Isn't it, though? Her

h unspoken things. Elara closed her letter,

They're alrea

-

pring. Crimson peonies, golden lilies, and the soft whites of dogwood trees lin

ough the air like champagne. Silver goblets caught the sun. String

ince Caelan-who s

sture was relaxed, his voice calm and smooth, but his eyes moved like a watchful

and Elara entered the ga

it ha

p-and his gaze

ross them like a passe

set

intest smile rising on his li

curled involuntarily i

forward with a slight curtsey. "Your Hig

replied, and something about h

h bright, confident poise. "And what of the not-so-q

musement in his eyes. "

Mira heard it-the tone

tention like reaching for falling snow. "But I've always thought them too o

slightly. "Restlessness

from the purpose,"

he turned to Elara again. "The wisteria is ear

chest t

had one outside our mother's window. She used to sa

n," Caelan s

e remained a mask of poise, but her thoughts thundered. The court continued around them, oblivious. Nobles w

king. The wine was sweet but bitter on her tongue. She laughed-too loud-at

did

hing with a sharp pang:

-

the edge of the reflecting pool. Her lavender gown was now creased, her hair looser, wind-bl

ion-beautiful, poised, re

neck, the one their father gave her long ago. H

loved, then?

ve no answer. Only

a figure paused in t

he pr

ar