her knees curled tightly to her chest. Her m

n from her daughter. She didn't want to assume; sh

hat I was with Isla. But, I was with... with Prince George. He wa

d I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I was so ashamed. I thought I'd let you down. I

of palace service etched into every line. She

the wrong person and paid for it. I was accused of sleeping with one of the top senior royals. There were investigations going on, I had a meeting with the

nd. "Ma, I didn't know... but what

reful. We keep our heads down and hide wha

r, she felt a bit of comfort and relief, li

an almost immediately, turning the palace into a restless hive. Velvet banners replaced the usual silks, jew

amid laughter and complaint. Mrs. Harrow checked every t

ng. Catherine, watch yourself near the royal wings. An

just scared of real royalty," and the girls

ar that one of the daughters of the King of Drakonhelm will be com

lliance goes through, there just mi

gnore them, but thei

. Everyone looked glamorous in their gowns, each laugh mingling with the notes of a chamber orchestra. Outside, the city lights of Eldoria flic

nouncing their Majesties, the King and Queen of Drakonhelm, King Edward and

Edward, tall and stern, offered smiles that never quite reached his

rls, her diamond earrings sparkling in the lights. She smiled and cu

e. George bowed politely, then offered his arm for the ceremonial d

the festivities, caught snippets of t

's more than most do after a

ays say that whatever happens at

ne felt the old ache pulse deeper, and

King Arthur and King Edw

our line," King Arthur said, lo

alliances call for it." King Edward replied. "I'm

ted his cup for a toast. "Let us hope the child

glasses and avoiding too many eyes. Across the ballroom, Geor

the refreshment table, she coll

-" she bega

touch warm but brief on t

t are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be ov

ht you might n

at escaped her. Just for a beat, the world outside their bubble faded and it was only the

as the crowd shifted, and G

ained on them. The princess's expression was perfectly composed as

I have to go now. Duty calls. Take care tonight,"

alace, Katarina slipped out of her

r younger sister, Pri

ome, but he was distracted throughout the night. Th

aisy, arched an eyebrow. "And

issing. "Let's just say I started a little game.

left in carriages and moonlit walks, Catherine beckoned her mother

und her purse tucked in the corner. As she lifted it, she noticed t

of paper marked by red lipstick. "One secret l

omething hard. She pulled out a single diamond earring.

at.. How did