I had waited years for this moment, and when it finally arrived, something felt wrong. Deeply wrong. As though I were meant to be somewhere else—anywhere other than seated upon a throne, watching servants labor on my behalf. I could not bear to look at them. My head ached, my thoughts blurred, and an uneasy truth settled in my chest: something was not as it should be.

Two weeks earlier…

“Miss Catrina! I have news,” Samantha exclaimed as she helped me dress. “I think you’re finally ready to be a queen!”

We were preparing for a formal dinner at Larsond Castle, the home of my betrothed. Samantha had been assisting with my lessons alongside Lady Vesper—undoubtedly the harshest tutor imaginable. Yet as a princess, and soon a queen, I was never permitted to voice such thoughts. My mother had taught me that kindness must be shown even to those who offer none in return.

My mother was a pillar of our country, always searching for better ways to serve our people. My parents were growing older, and ruling as king and queen had become increasingly dangerous at their age. They decided that within a few years, the crown would pass to me. To prepare, they sent me away by ship to study under Lady Vesper.

At first, I was hopeful—until I realized I would not be allowed to visit my family.

Most of my days were spent nursing bruised hands, the result of Lady Vesper’s switch. She believed me unworthy of the crown, accusing me of being rude, childish, and undeserving of queenship. Still, I forgave her every day. And now, at last, I was returning home.

My grandparents would be there, along with my aunts, uncles, cousins, and the entire court of Larsond Castle.

That evening, Samantha and I attended dinner at the castle, where I met my betrothed for the first time. He was far more handsome than I had imagined—his eyes a striking blue, his hair brown with soft blond highlights, and his manner genuinely kind. We could hardly look away from one another.

After dinner, he approached me, and we spoke at length. He told me how much he enjoyed games and how eager he was to meet my family. He even mentioned staying several days after my crowning so we could better know one another. Hours passed unnoticed—until Lady Vesper arrived.

Without warning, she seized my arm and dragged me away, not even allowing me to bid farewell to my future parents-in-law.

Outside, Samantha was forced to walk beside the carriage Lady Vesper had brought—a massive vehicle large enough to hold ten people. When I protested, Lady Vesper coldly replied, “Samantha has not earned the right to sit with us. And if I may be honest, I do not believe you have either.”