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A month after the coronation, when the celebrations finally wound down, I was having tea with Nix when Ayo walked in holding the silver mail tray. Nix came over every day after school to tell me the latest gossip. I hadn’t been back to BANA, now that I was queen. My education consisted of tutors and personalized readings relevant to Biringan history and law. Nix was my lifeline.

I hadn’t seen Lucas in a while, and I missed him. He had been called back to Sigbin, to rout any remaining insurgents there and across the kingdom. Alas, Elowina had had a number of followers around the realm, even in Sirena. The insurgents didn’t come from just one kingdom; they hailed from all over the realm. Elias had advised me to be merciful, and I was trying to be, even though I found it difficult. But I had to unite the kingdom somehow.

“Your Highness,” Ayo said, bowing his head. He held the tray out toward me. There was a square powder-blue envelope on it addressed to “HRH Queen Mahalina Jazreel.”

I pulled out the card inside. It was an invitation on thick paper stock. My cheeks went pale as the blood drained from my face while I read it.

Nix put her cup down on the saucer. It clattered, spilling over the side. “What is it? What happened?”

I read the words out loud.

We Humbly Request the Honor of Your Presence to Celebrate the Union of

Grand Duchess Amador Oscura and Sir Lucas Invierno

at the Court of Sigbin Palace