Erin never thought she would ever be in a room full of royalty, yet there she was, escorted by a prince with the eyes of the royal family of Caverna all on her. The only other non-royal in there was Klaire—but she was basically considered one already with her engagement and upcoming wedding.
Erin tried her best to smile—which, after living in Ashen City for a long time—looked forced. After all, her smiles had mostly been out of contempt or sarcasm, rarely out of genuine happiness or courtesy; but with everyone in their fancy clothes and fancy titles, she knew she had to try. When in Rome, right?
The room was just as she expected—high ceilings, couches that looked like they cost more than her apartment, a glass table in the middle with teacups and a bunch of baked stuff. The siblings sat
