Snow walked through the house toward her bedroom with purpose. She refused to look into Yirrie’s eyes, for if she saw the pain and the hurt there, then she would fall apart. She didn’t have time for that. She had to pack and get out as quickly as possible.
But Yirrie jumped up from the table and stepped into her path. When she refused to move, she reached for Snow, wrapped her into a fierce hug and held her there for a long moment. When she pulled back, she held her at arm’s length.
“What will you do? Where will you go?” she asked.
Snow shook her head. “I don’t know.”
“Will you go with Roderick?” she pressed.
Again, she said, “I don’t know.”
“Will you reclaim your throne?”
“I don’t know!” Snow shook her off. Agitated, she stepped around her and hurried to her bedroom.
She slammed the door, then leaned against it, forcing away the tears that wanted to erupt. Then she opened her eyes, and took one last look at the room that was hers for the last ten years. She didn’t even know what to pack. Then she spied the silver circlet Elator had given her on the first night of festival. With her heart in her throat, she stepped to her dressing table and picked it up. Eyeing herself in the mirror, she placed it on her head.
Fit for a princess.
Perhaps Elator wasn’t wrong in his assessment. She grabbed a bag and shoved an extra dress inside it. She packed her pants and tunic she liked to hike in. Then she whisked the cloak out of her wardrobe. She shouldered the bag. With her head held high, she opened her bedroom door. She went to Yirrie, hugged her tight, kissed her cheek.
“Farwell, Yirrie. Thank you for everything you did for me. I will love and miss you always.”
It was more than the woman could bear. Her breath hitched with a sob. She ran to her bedroom, closing the door behind her. Snow turned to Elator. She hugged him next. When she pulled away, he eyed the circlet on her head, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
“Perhaps you will wear it when you sit the throne and rule the Mystic Vale. In remembrance of us.”
Hearing those words was like a dagger to the heart. She didn’t know what to say to that, so she nodded.
“Farewell, Elator. I will love and miss you, too.”
He kissed her cheek. “Farewell, Snow. May you find the peace and happiness you seek.” He gave her one last smile. “I better check on Yirrie.”
Then he was gone.
Taking a deep breath, Snow walked to the door and left the house, never looking back.
Chapter 26
Roderickwaitedforheroutside. Tasnia and a few of the other Elders stood guard, as though waiting for her to emerge from the house. The last person she wanted to see was Roderick.
Clutching the strap of the bag, she walked with purpose through the village, passing him by and never making eye contact. Even so, he fell in step behind her as did the Elders, as if making sure she made her final exit from the village.
“Why are you following me?” she demanded, knowing he was right behind her.
“Where are you going?” he countered.
She hadn’t decided yet, but now was as good a time as any. “I’m going to Faradill. I’ll make a place for myself there.”
“Are you sure that’s wise? Seraphina is still out there—”
She spun to face him, put a hand on his chest and shoved. “Please stop following me.”
Then she turned and ran as fast as her legs would take her. She never looked back. She didn’t want to look back. The day was waning and she wanted to be settled at the foot of Faradill by the time night fell.
She didn’t stop running until she’d reached him. Then she fell to her knees, dropping the bag at her side. The circlet slid off her head and landed on the ground in front of her. She collapsed, putting her head in her hands and let the tears flow.
For the second time in her life, she’d lost her home and her family. A family she’d come to love as much as she loved her own mother and father. Seraphina had won once again.
