Annora
I always knew this day was coming, was raised with the outcome in mind, and yet I don’t feel ready for the words as they meet my ears —
“You’ve finally been summoned by the King of Hispiala to fulfill your wifely duties, Annora.” My mother’s queenly voice declares over my kneeling form, and I resist the urge to spill my breakfast on the marble floor at her feet. Though, what’s the worst that could happen if I did? I’m already being sent away.
My mother taps the arm of her throne, looking down her straight nose at me waiting for me to react. The thoughts in my head swirl, and I briefly entertain the idea of throwing myself onto the floor and screaming until she takes it back. It won’t work, but it might make me feel better for a few minutes.
“I understand my daughter is hesitant to meet someone she’s only met —”
“That’s an understatement,” I mutter under my breath.
This earns me another stern look from the queen before she continues, “But you are the only princess of Calysten, which means you represent me, and you will not allow your queen to look bad.” It’s a royal declaration not to be argued with, so I keep my lips sealed and head bowed.
“You’re seamstress will be here shortly to fit you into your new wardrobe,” Mother pushes on, and my head snaps up.
“So soon?” I search her expression through the veil covering my face. I’m only ever thankful for the piece of fabric when I’m speaking with her.
“Of course,” her voice is incredulous to my surprise. “You’ll begin your travels within the week, Annora.” If my head wasn’t spinning already, it is now.
Being a princess destined for marriage to a king you’ve never met makes for a lonely life, so I wouldn’t exactly say I have friends. But knowing I’ll be leaving the only home I’ve ever known elicits premature feelings of loss in my chest.
With a wave of her hand, she indicates that she’s tired of our conversation. “Make your preparations, Annora. Your departure will be here before you know it.” I inhale and brace myself as I stand, wobbling a little as I curtsy and back my way out of the throne room.
Only when the large door is closed do I let my feet hit the floor at a less dignified pace, passing my Silent Guard without a single look in his direction. Everyone moves out of my way as I make my way down the hall with no destination in mind, just a clawing need for space. Behind me, my guard Algar’s boots keep pace with me, as they’ve done since he was assigned to me ten years ago when I was only twelve. All that time, he’s been a shadow, and right now I want him to disappear.
With a frustrated glance over my shoulder, I speed up my pace, pumping my arms at my sides as I round a corner and push myself through a side door leading to an outdoor corridor. To my left is one of the gardens that my mother had installed but never visits, and behind me I hear Algar keeping up effortlessly. With a feral sound, I round on him, making him halt in place.
Glaring up at his similarly veiled face, I cross my arms and raise my brows. “In case you didn’t notice, I was trying to lose you.”
Algar doesn’t budge, doesn’t respond. His dark amber eyes, the only part of him I can see, focus just above my head. I’m used to the fact he doesn’t talk, he is a Silent Guard after all. But right now, I can’t help the frustration bubbling inside me, and I find myself stamping a foot down in response to his quietness.
“I just want to be alone!” I yell at him, craving a response from him, from anyone. All I get is his black-gloved hand tightening on his spear and his chest rising and falling behind the golden crest on his chest. “I know what you think of me, but I don’t care. You don’t know what it’s like being groomed to be a stranger’s wife.”
Dissatisfied with his lack of response and drained from the feelings, I turn my back on Algar, halting as I hear a tiny mew from inside the brush to my left. Without thinking, I hike my dress up and get on all fours, searching the thick cover for the creature the tiny sound belongs.
“There you are,” I coo as I see a fuzzy gray fur stumble out of the brush toward my hand. I pick up the kitten and cuddle it close to my chest, scratching its ears. “Come on, little guy, let’s get you some milk.
