Chapter 23
Despite the warder’s advice to rest, I’d only lain awake atop my bed, wondering who had come to Parnese. When I rose, I’d donned my best blue dress and set the crown atop my head. Whoever had come, I intended to show them that no matter what had happened in Parnese, I was still a princess of Raine.
My father didn’t join me in the courtyard, and I was glad. I ate quickly, not bothering to take seconds of the minted grain salad and spiced vegetables. As soon as the servants cleared my place, Galtus Celcio appeared.
One auburn eyebrow rose at my garb, but he said nothing, only beckoned me into the main living area of his apartments.
“Show our visitor in,” he said to the guard by the door.
I went up on the balls of my feet, barely breathing.
Sunlight glinted on golden hair, an
