Book 2: Staying Behind

Estrella

Candace jerks in her seat. I look up from where I’m pacing the room to see a grin spread across her face.

“He’s on his way,” she says.

Tess, who long ago finished braiding the princess’s hair, squeezes my hand. I don’t need to ask who’s coming. My heart thuds like a racing horse. Soon, Anwen will be here.

Nessa squeaks softly and draws her knees up to her chest. I still cannot look at her without my stomach threatening to turn inside out, but she is no longer the target of my rage. Most of it, at least. Shuffling her new stories together with her old creates a picture of a very lonely woman, convinced by a bitter, withered man to do awful things. Someday, I will forgive her. But not today.

The door bursts open, and Anwen and Baz dart inside. I throw myself into Anwen’s arms before I can think twice about the show of affection. He wraps his arms around my waist and drops soft kisses on my hair.

“It’s him,” I hiss. “You wer