But I am here.
Pika follows me through the village. Peasants gawk and whisper when they see the glasseln, but none attack. Her jeweled collar is prominent; it’s obvious she is a pet.
When we reach the castle, I slide from Mara’s back, almost falling to the ground. Grooms rush to meet me even as they cast wary glances at Pika.
“She is tame,” I assure them as I set my hand on her back. I turn to the castle steward, who has come forward to greet me. “I’m Anwen of Primewood, daughter of Baron Thomas Millner. I must see Galinor.”
It takes a great deal of control not to rush past him, throw open the doors, and call for Galinor myself. But I wait.
My heart sinks as his face falls.
“Your Ladyship,” the steward begins. “The prince was attacked—”
The man still speaks, but my knees buckle under me—both from exhaustion and a fear realized.
“Lady Anwen!” the steward exclaims, and he motions for a groom to assist me. “Escort her inside.”
The men pull me to my feet, and I don’t bother to object. We’re only a few steps into the hall when familiar voices sound from down the next corridor.
I spot Marigold first, but Irving’s at her side. When the two see me, they rush forward, leaving Teagan and Queen Penelope behind.
Marigold embraces me so tightly it hurts. “You’re all right?” she demands, holding me back so she can look me over. Her eyes brim with tears, and her face contorts with silent sobs as she gasps, “They said you were dead!”
Irving wraps his arms around us both. He clears his throat, a masculine attempt to hide his emotion. “It’s always a pleasure, but I don’t think I’ve ever been quite this relieved to see you.”
I pull away from them. “Where’s Galinor?”
Teagan meets us, his mother at his heels. His face creases with concern. “Anwen, you are safe. The news we received—”
“Hush now,” Penelope softly cuts off her eldest son. “You are well?”
“Galinor? Is he…”
I mean to sayhere, but the word on the tip of my tongue isdead.
The queen shakes her head, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “We don’t know. He’s been in Triblue formonths, but he sent a messenger several days ago with news he’d been attacked.” She blinks, her bright eyes so much like her youngest son’s. “Anwen—the men who came after him said…they said you…” She breaks off, unable to continue her thought. “He’s gone to Primewood.”
“But he’s all right?”
Mother and son exchange a look before Teagan answers, “As far as we know.”
I almost sink to the floor with relief.
Penelope takes my arm and leads me down the hall. “I’m sure he is well. Stay and rest. You look like you haven’t slept in days.”
Teagan follows. “We will send a messenger to Primewood. The news of your safety should meet Galinor shortly after he arrives.”
I nod, unable to argue. Though I want to go back to Primewood myself, I can’t ride like this. Now that I know the attack was unsuccessful, the full extent of my exhaustion hits me.
Galinor’s mother brings me to the same room I stayed in all those months ago. She promptly dresses me for bed and then tucks me in like a child. I’m asleep before she leaves.
I don’t wakeuntil noon the following day. A meal is brought to the royal quarters, where I join Galinor’s family, Irving, and Marigold. I pick at my food, eating only so I don’t offend my hosts.
King Howell and his queen are gracious and warm. Teagan and Marigold are knowledgeable and interesting. And Irving is Irving.
But the only company I want is Galinor’s.
“We are so relieved you are safe, Anwen,” King Howell says. “And you are welcome here for as long as you like.”
