Back Where 156

I stepped into the long hall and a wave of feeling descended on me. Staring at the dais, I couldn’t help but surrender to the memories pulling me into the past.

There my father would have stood, commanding with words and orders. He had been my mentor, giving me everything.

He was a man who never spared the rod, but he never once forgot how to spoil me too.

I shifted my gaze to the other side, to my mother’s favorite spot. She had been Luna, a true leader, a faithful wife, and the best mother. She was my first tutor in grace, teaching me patience and calm, teaching me to sit properly, to keep my thighs closed, and to stay pure until the right man came.

Goosebumps prickled along my skin as I turned toward the wall where Varyn would lean. My brother, my guardian, my closest ally. Adored by his army, respected by the people. He had promised to return with another medal after the battle but… I swallowed hard and stepped back.

Then I felt it. The shift in the air. Someone else was in the hall. I turned and found Princess Mearez at the entrance. Just like that, my worries faded.