Chapter 20

Maia

In Garnet Falls, my reception is just as loud, noisy, and boisterous as it was in Wellmore Village as I sit on the horse, properly this time, in front of Sir Hugo and can see everything. Hundreds of people gather around me, cheering and throwing flower petals at me.

‘Thank you, Princess!’ They shout.

I smile at their misplaced gratitude and avoid making eye contact with them.

They try to hand me gifts of food, flowers, fabrics, trinkets and smelling salts. I ignore all the gifts being passed to me, but Sir Hugo accepts anything of value and packs them in the overfilled saddle sacks behind himself.

‘I’m feeling anxious, it’s too much, and my head spins as people grab at my new dress and generally overwhelm me with their noise and presence. The energy inside me intensifies, and I wince in pain when the iron cuffs burn me. A few onlookers have noticed I’m in pain.

‘Avoid using your powers. You’ll only hurt yourself,’ Sir Hugo says, with a ful