I was sure she was going to be furious with me. So, when I entered the throne room with my head artificially raised and my shoulders shaking from forcing them back, I was shocked to find my mother not only smiling but hurrying toward me. She embraced me with so much warmth I hugged her in return, too surprised and overcome with relief to do anything else.

"My darling," she whispered in my ear. "You're home." Her hands stroked my hair, eyes exploring my face as she beamed at ...