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“I understand that, after everything, you’ll need rest,” my father continued. “But I hope we can continue your training once you’re settled in the palace. I’ll feel better knowing you could take care of yourself in future attacks.”

“Of course,” I agreed. Of course I wanted to harness my powers and learn exactly what he could and couldn’t feel through the Starlit Throne. “It’ll help me feel better too.”

“In the meantime, ” he continued, “take it easy.”

I nodded, knowing I needed all the rest I could get. There was a war to stop and plans to make. Despite needing to be at my best, exhaustion and grief plagued my mind. “I’m just glad the assembly reached an agreement,” I added.

He smiled. “This is only the beginning. Now that we’re united, father and daughter, the future is bright. I know we barely know one another, but I’ve listened carefully for word of you. They say you were too wild for the humans, a fae at heart, and I look forward to having you at my side.”

The comment ignited my internal conflict. He’d always known I was his, known I was at odds with my home, but he had never reached out. It stung, even as I questioned if I’d really wanted his recognition. When my plastered smile failed me, I opted for a yawn. “I’m glad.”

He beamed, as if my sleepiness was endearing. “Go to bed. Tomorrow will be a long travel day.”

It was a relief to be dismissed.

Slumping a little too much, I stumbled stepping down from the pavilion. My father caught my elbow. “Are you all right?”

“Just tired,” I mumbled.

He motioned for my nearby guard. “Escort Princess Ayla, ensure she reaches her rooms.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

“Goodnight Ayla—” my father paused, his gaze snagged by my hand “—Have you always worn that?”

My mouth dried. He was staring at Ninti’s ruby ring. “It was my mother’s.”

He gawked at it for another long moment. “It may be more valuable than she told you.”

I masked my fear into surprise as I brought the ring closer, admiring the stone as if for the first time. “I’ll keep it safe,” I promised him.

“See that you do.” He nodded to the guard. “Goodnight.”

Weaving slightly, I wandered to the guest wing. The guard followed me all the way, taking a post just outside the door of my new room in the corner suite.

Quietly, finally alone, I untied the bindings to my dress, eager to put aside the bespelled sequins that reflected the intensity of my light. My worn mind working past exhaustion, I crawled into bed.

Except I couldn’t sleep.

Not with what the Starlit King had said.

On some level, he recognized Ninti’s ring.

And I had no clue how to keep everyone safe.

I drew the blankets close, glancing around the ornate room. My gaze caught on the phonograph on the dresser, the only detail that felt like mine. Moonlight glinted against the sparkly dresses already strewn across the room, the first of many my father had promised me.

Once again, I would live in a palace, the daughter of royalty. Except now, I was the celebrated heir. I’d hated how my mother’s court barely tolerated me, but the blind adoration of the Starlit Court was somehow worse.

No one knew what my throne had cost me. Surrounded by strangers, I’d never been more alone.

The first tears were unbidden, but I allowed the rest, curling up and pressing my face into my hands. Soon the tears turned into heaving sobs, a grief I could only honor in the shadows.

Was staying behind a mistake?

I couldn’t be sure.

If I hadn’t insisted on a lesson, would I have left with Zayne?