Page 26

T he kitchen is buzzing with excitement as Clarice and I finalize the last details for Ivy’s surprise birthday celebration. The cake is a masterpiece, the ballroom looks like something out of a fairy tale, and everything feels perfect.

I smile, picturing Ivy’s wide-eyed expression when she sees the towering cake covered in sugar flowers and topped with a chocolate crown. “She’ll love it. This is her first real birthday celebration, you know?”

Clarice’s smile falters, replaced by a look of sadness. “I still can’t believe she never got to celebrate her birthday.”

I shake my head. “Not even a little. Mrs. Daley never let us celebrate. Ivy and I used to bake cakes for the other kids at the orphanage, but we were never allowed to have any. This… this will be the first time she’s celebrated her birthday properly.”

Clarice presses a hand to her chest, looking more determined than ever. “Then we’ll make sure it’s unforgettable.”

I’m about to respond when the sound of raised voices and heavy footsteps echoes through the hallway outside the kitchen. Clarice and I exchange a worried glance before stepping into the corridor to investigate what the commotion is.

When I spot Ivy being dragged toward the castle’s front doors by two guards, my heart drops into my stomach. Blood is dripping from her hand, staining the floor in her wake, and her face is pale, her eyes wide with shock.

“Oh my gosh, Ivy!” I cry, rushing toward her. “What happened? What’s going on?”

I grab her arm, but the guard hauling her away—Trey—doesn’t stop. Clarice is right behind me, her hands flying to her mouth when she sees the state of Ivy’s hand.

“Wait, stop! She’s bleeding everywhere!” Clarice exclaims, her voice frantic. “Let me wrap her hand first!”

The guard doesn’t even slow down. “I have orders to escort her out immediately.”

“What?” Clarice gasps, stepping in front of him. “Do you have any idea who this girl is? The king will have your head for this!”

Trey’s expression hardens, and he glances at Clarice before answering. “The king was the one who gave the orders. She’s no longer welcome in the castle.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. “What are you talking about? She’s his mate!” I snap, grabbing Ivy’s other arm.

Trey’s jaw tightens. “Does his mark lay on her skin?” he counters coldly.

The question makes my blood run cold. Dustin, the other guard, steps forward, his face filled with regret as he takes the bandages from Clarice.

“I’ll wrap her hand,” Dustin says quietly, his voice strained.

Clarice argues with Trey who is trying to drag her off.

“I’m sorry,” Trey replies, his tone clipped. “But my orders are clear. She’s to be taken to the stables.”

“The stables?” Clarice echoes, her voice breaking.

I stare at Ivy, hoping for some kind of explanation, but she seems just as stunned as the rest of us. Her lips tremble, and tears brim in her eyes, but she doesn’t say a word.

Clarice’s hands tremble as she hands over the first-aid box. “At least let me wrap her hand properly,” she pleads.

Dustin takes the bandages but shakes his head. “I’ll do it. She has to go now.”

Trey tugs Ivy toward the doors, and Clarice and I are left standing in stunned silence. “This can’t be happening,” I whisper, watching Ivy disappear down the corridor.

Clarice grips my arm tightly, her nails digging into my skin. “We have to talk to the king. This isn’t right. What the heck happened while he was gone.”

“But he gave the order,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “Why would he do this to her? What did she do?”

“I don’t know,” Clarice says, her voice shaking with emotion. “But we’re going to find out.”

As the doors close behind Ivy, I feel a wave of anger and helplessness wash over me. Whatever happened, whatever she did—or didn’t do—she doesn’t deserve this. Ivy has been through enough.

“Don’t worry, Abbie. I’m not letting this go,” Clarice states firmly. “Not until I get answers even if I have to beat them out of the king myself.”

We turn back toward the kitchens, but my thoughts are already racing ahead.

Ivy’s birthday was supposed to be a celebration, a moment of happiness after everything she’s endured.

Now, it feels like the world is crumbling around her again and all I can think is this is by far her worst birthday even above Mrs. Daley.

If only she knew how close she came to having a proper one.