ght filtered through arched stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the ancient marble floor beneath her fe

ton Palace," she thought, trying to hid

egacy of the Windsor lineage. Battles won, crowns passed, and gods themselves bowed to noble figur

sensed her lady's nervous energy but didn't press. She knew better than to

gons, roses, twisted vines. The wood shimmered faintly under the light, as if it had been bathed in oil and polished b

is it, Octo

ed the doors open with both hands, her fingers trem

d her stole

crystal hung from the ceiling, refracting dawn light into shimmering halos that danced along the white marble walls. Beyond the crystal-paned windows, a garden bloomed so vividly it bordered on su

ntil her eyes la

arie W

hird eldest

led the bullying against October with the skill of a seasoned commander. Every insult had been calculated, every rumor

ober with her effortless beauty and for

e déjà vu?" October mut

loud, curtsying with grace so polished it g

th exaggerated disdain. "Can't believe

idn't matter. "Forgive m

u d

-Marie," came

posure unshakable, her voice firm but never loud. Regal and poised in a muted g

orgiven, October. Just don't let it happen

ber said with sweet obedi

s wasn't warm, but it was ju

n awkward silence-save for the clinking of utensil

ver rim of her porcelain teacup. Her thoughts, however, were loud. Each breath

ce... this family... they d

f. The moment she was out of sight, she exhaled the br

and women who'd gone to war, brokered peace, shaped nations. None of them would have made r

h her skin didn't fit quite right. She slipped inside,

for yourself," she told Glor

he maid said with

le

e let herse

silks in shades of ivory and silver. She stared up at it blankly, hands resting on her stomach, he

is twisted tapest

ere six

re. In their mother's absence, she had assumed the role of lady of the house. She commanded attention in

, and brilliant, but emotionally distant to a fault. He never lifted a finger agains

compliments and sweetly delivered venom. She wore her jealousy like perfume. Ev

ober in public. She wore scars like medals and honor like armor. She saw through

d

r other half

nd in the dark. May, who had

e matched your own. May had followed Anna-Marie like a moth to flame. She soaked

, spitting the words like ash. "Don't expec

ay October stopped

r chambers, her chest ached w

family she

e one she

go home," s

ietly behind her ribs l

ow where home