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Taking a steadying breath, he released me. "I wish it were, little one. How I wish it were. But sometimes we don't get the ending we'd dreamed of. Now, off to bed." He smiled, but the expression didn't reach his eyes. "The guests will arrive any minute."

Pulling me in for one more hug, he pressed a kiss to my forehead, then set me down on the marble floor.

I stared up at him, eyes filling, as a maid came and took my hand. "Let's get you cleaned up, my lady. Then straight to bed."

"Very well," I sighed.

I glanced back at my father, sitting atop his ornate chair, and my chest twisted. He looked sad as he waved to an attendant in blue livery.

The attendant approached, holding out a white pillow with a sparkling object atop it.

His crystal crown.

Taking it, my father placed it atop his head.

Then he smiled at me and mouthed the words, "I love you," as the doors shut between us.

To be continued in Book 3 …