Chapter 2

I felt wronged, not understanding why Charles was so mad at me.

Back before all the drama, he was always so nice to me.

Back then, I was just nine, and Charles was eleven, still the Crown Prince.

He'd sneak out the new pastries the palace chefs came up with for me to try.

He'd climb trees to pick the highest pears for me.

He'd call me "Lilian" with warmth, not the cold, formal "Lilian Somerset."

So that winter, when my kite got stuck on a bare tree branch, he went to fetch it for me. But he slipped and fell right into the water.

At that moment, I didn't think about anything else. I just wanted to save him. Without hesitation, I dove in after him.

Charles used my shoulder to push himself up and climb out, while the palace staff's panicked shouts echoed around them as I slowly sank beneath the surface.

When they finally dragged me out, I burned with a fever for days, and ever since, I'd never quite been the same. My mind wasn't as sharp as before.

The then-Princess Consort, now the Queen Consort, had been close friends with my mother.

Out of guilt, she promptly arranged for Charles and me to be engaged.

Charles agreed, saying, "Lilian saved me. I want to take care of her forever."

So it was not like he was never good to me.

But as we got older, he realized there were so many wonderful girls out there. So many that it made his head spin.

After that fever I had as a child, nothing ever came easily to me again. Compared to those girls, I just couldn't measure up.

There was Charlotte, the prime minister's daughter: beautiful, gentle, and accomplished. Charles spoke of her constantly.

Then Grace, the minister's daughter: pretty, kind, and well-read. He admired her, too.

The only one he didn't care for was me. He'd just call me "bad luck."

I never blamed him, though. Grandma always said the imperial decree was final. I'd have to marry him whether he liked it or not.

Maybe after this trip to Northreach, once the fog in my mind finally lifted.

Maybe if I could just think clearly, Charles wouldn't dislike me so much. Maybe he'd even be kind to me, for once.

The carriage rolled steadily onward, carrying my quiet hopes with it.

When we stopped at the waystation, everyone got out to stretch and buy food.

Nearby, a military grain convoy was parked, wagons piled high with supplies. The soldiers transporting them were also taking a break.

I'd never gone anywhere alone before, but I gathered my courage and bought two pieces of bread.

Just as I was about to take a bite, I heard a commotion nearby.

Attendants from Ashford Manor were hurrying about, showing a portrait to anyone they passed.

One shouted, "Has anyone seen this girl? A generous reward from Ashford Manor for any information!"

Oh no!

The woman who'd spoken with me in the carriage earlier was studying the portrait, chin in hand. "She looks familiar."

"You've seen her? If you help us find the young lady, her family will offer millions of dollars!" the attendant pressed.

What should I do? Panic rose in my chest. If they took me back now, I would never get better.

I shoved the bread into my bag, eyes stinging, desperately looking for somewhere to hide.

Then I spotted the tall grain wagons nearby, piled high with sacks.

The woman suddenly clapped her hand to her forehead. "I remember! She was in my carriage. We talked just a moment ago."

"She was right over there. Huh? Where did she go?" She pointed toward the flatbread stall, but the girl in the portrait was nowhere to be seen.

"This shipment is for the Northreach camp. If we're delayed, who'll take responsibility?" a soldier barked.

The soldiers were eager to get moving. With a sigh, the attendants scanned the long line of wagons, then finally gave up and left.

I stayed hidden deep in the grain, clutching my bundle, listening to every word.

So these wagons were headed to Northreach.

How lucky, that was exactly where I needed to go.

With bread and pears, I could stay right here and hitch a ride all the way.

I felt guilty about leaving Grandma behind. Even with my note, she must be worried sick. That was why she sent people after me.

Once I got better, I would go back and make it up to her, I promised myself.