Queen Chione summoned Violet to her rooms the next morning. Violet’s wrist was still hurting after the clocktower stunt but the swelling was down and she refused to leave her bow and quiver behind, especially when heading inside the palace. Each hallway felt jeweled with memories, waiting to blindside her with their brightness. She wanted to be armed against whatever she met.

Thankfully, Jasmine was the first familiar face she crossed.

“Even when you move out of the palace, ...