“Is this really necessary?” I pouted as I felt the heavy robe draped over my shoulders. It was not only heavy, but I felt like I was in a sauna.
“It’s traditional. All of the crowned royals wore this robe.” Lyle’s blue eyes sparkled in amusement as I grumbled. “The weight represents the burden of leadership. Besides, you look rather fetching in it. Like a true queen.”
“A sweaty, irritable queen,” I muttered, but then a realization came over me. “It’s never been washed … has it?”
Lyle boomed out a loud laugh. “No, it’s not washed. It’s only worn for a few hours for the ceremony, and—”
“I’m caked in a stranger’s sweat.”
“Darren wore it last.” Lyle smirked at me.
“It doesn’t have his scent.” I sighed, staring at the mirror. There was still no message from Darren. He knew I would be wor
