The tightness inside Amy’s chest waned as the elderly courtier brushed her thumb across Amy’s wet face. Now is the time to be strong, child. Now is the time to be the Queen, Mathilde’s words rang inside her head. She looked upon the dwellers of the city for a second time and realized that the elderly was right. The people need someone to look up to. Someone who they could draw strength from. In a way, she thought that being a Queen, or a Royal for that matter, was unfair as you were not allowed to be weak. Even in the direst of times, a Royal must stand strong. It’s not unfair, Amy. It’s a responsibility. You are Queen now, whether you like it or not. Suck it up. She took a deep breath and shook her thoughts away. “You’re right, Mathilde,” she said as she wiped the tears from her eyes. “Th
