Penelope
Nerves jittered through me as I climbed into the horse-drawn carriage, barely able to keep calm. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been this anxious or so excited.
“Ready?” Maia asked from inside, holding her hand out to me.
“No,” I admitted, sitting down next to her. “And yes.”
“Good. Better hold on to something,” she said as her assistant closed the door behind me. “I’ve instructed my driver many times to go slow but I don’t think he understands the meaning.”
I released a nervous chuckle. “I think I’ll manage.”
“I’m sure you will,” she said, taking my hand in hers. She leaned in, pressing a familiar kiss on my lips. “You look beautiful, by the way.”
“You too. I like the crown,” I said, gesturing to the circlet.
Maia touched her hair, her grip on me tightening as the
