By the time I realize I’ve forgotten, the cheesy griddle cake is gone and the carefree moment with it. But, briefly, things weren’t so bad. They weren’t bad at all. I was eating delicious food and laughing with a friend. We were enjoying the weather and the quiet bustle of the city around us.
It was accidental happiness. A brief glimpse of what my life could’ve been like…maybe should have been like, if I had been prepared for this all along. If I had come here ready to be the queen, I wouldn’t be spending my time looking for a way to break the cycle. Instead I would be finding ways to explore and enjoy my new circumstances.
I sigh as my gaze drifts back to the opening in the mountain that leads through the Fade.
“We should get back to the castle,” I say.
“Yes, before someone sees you.”
