Chapter 14
AURORA
Araven came yesterday. Royal guards have been dispatched from the palace by order of my father—the king—to bring me safely home.
Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I clutch the starlit gemstone hanging around my neck—the one Thalric gifted me less than a week ago.
I barely recognize myself. I’m dressed in a silken gown, the bodice covered in tiny glittering crystals in a pattern of flowers and vines.
The enchanted fabric alternates between gold and dark blue as Fiora and Maribel try to decide upon a color.
“Gold for courage,” Fiora muses, flicking her wrist as a shimmer of sunlight spills across the gown.
“Too bold,” Maribel counters. “She needs serenity, not fire.” She whispers an incantation, and the fabric fades from gold to deep cerulean.
Lyria’s laughter warms the air. “What if we meet in the middle?” With a graceful sweep of her fingers, threads of violet and starlight twine together until the fabric ripples into amethyst hues. “There,” she declares. “That’s lovely, don’t you think?”
Fiora and Maribel nod. Lyria steps forward, pulling me into her embrace.
“My darling girl,” she whispers. “I know this isn’t quite what you wanted, but all will be well. You’ll see.”
I swallow hard, fighting tears that threaten to spill over.
None of this matters. The gown, the jewels… None of it eases the dull ache in my chest from losing Thalric.
Fiora steps forward, lifting the golden circlet crown from the table. With careful fingers, she sets it upon my head, and I stare at my reflection once more.
I’m no longer simply Aurora. I am a princess. A dream to anyone else, but for me, it feels more like a nightmare.
“Princess Rose Aurora of Briarwyn,” Fiora says, a warm smile on her face.
I blink back the tears that would come if I’d let them.
Fiora’s expression softens as she rests her hands on my shoulders. “I love you, Aurora,” she whispers fiercely. “You are my daughter in every way that matters.”
Lyria steps close, cupping my cheek. “We all love you.”
Maribel nods solemnly, eyes misting. “Someday, I hope you’ll understand,” she whispers, smoothing a hand over my hair. “Maybe even forgive us.”
I want to. Gods, how I wish I could release all the hurt and anger. I know they love me, but it doesn’t erase the sharp pain of their betrayal.
A firm knock on the door startles us. Fiora goes to answer it and a man steps into the room.
His polished armor gleams in the firelight, crimson cloak trailing behind him.
His broad shoulders and piercing gaze carry the weight of authority.
The moment his eyes meet mine, he kneels and the rest of the guards behind him follow instantly.
“Your Highness,” he says. “We have long prayed for your safety while in hiding.”
My breath catches. It feels wrong, seeing them bow to me and addressing me with a title that still feels like it isn’t real. “Thank you,” I somehow manage.
“I am Sir Cedric Varrow, First Knight of Briarwyn, here to escort you home.”
Home. The word echoes hollowly inside me.
“Your parents are eager to see you,” he says. “They’ve long awaited the day of your return, Princess Rose Aurora.”
“Just Aurora,” I correct him. “I’d prefer if you called me Princess Aurora.”
It’s the name I grew up with. The only one that feels natural. My life may no longer be my own, but I will keep my name.
His gaze shifts to Fiora beside me in a questioning look, and she gives him a subtle nod. His eyes sweep back to me, and he dips his chin. “Of course, Princess Aurora.” He gestures to the carriage outside. “If you’ll come with me, I’ll show you to the royal carriage.”
I start to step forward, but pause, glancing back one final time. I gaze at the cozy cottage I grew up in, full of familiar scents, memories, and love. My chest tightens painfully. The only home I’ve ever known is about to become a mere memory.
A sudden thud draws my attention, and I glance toward the carriage to find Eldrin—Thalric’s father—standing beside one of the guards. His ember eyes meet mine, and he lowers his chin in a subtle bow before turning his attention to Sir Cedric.
My traitorous heart taps a frantic beat as I look all around, searching for any sign of Thalric amongst the rest of the guards, but I don’t see him.
“He’ll be along later,” Maribel says in my ear, in a voice so low I doubt anyone else heard.
Nodding, I take a deep breath, gather my skirts, and step forward into the unknown.