This week feels freeing without Queen Juneth constantly in my shadow. Though I still eat lightly, my appetite has returned enough for occasional hunger pangs. Healer Thalen assures me this is a promising step forward.

At dinner, Prince Jorlan shares news with a calm but firm tone. "Your siblings will join us for the ceremony. I tried arranging for them to come sooner, but the Queen would not approve."

“What about my father?” I ask immediately.

He ...