Tanya’s POV

I stumble out of the palace and into the gardens, feeling tired and mildly nauseous. I make my way to the edge of a large pond, focusing on the sight of starlight glistening on the surface of the dark water. Someone approaches me, and I wince when I realize Ayana and Lily join by the pond, ruining any chance at peace and quiet.

Not here. Not now. It’s been a long night, and I’m in no mood to be tormented further. The King’s voice still rings in my ears; the secret of Marco’s sitting heavy in my heart. Not to mention the crushing sorrow of everything I saw in Marco’s old room. The way Lily smiles at me so innocently makes my skin crawl.

“My dear Tanya, is everything all right?” Lily asks. “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”

I did, and she knows it. She’s the one who showed me the ghost of her past relationship with Marco.

“I just needed a moment alone and some fresh air,” I say softly. I don’t have the energy for any more drama. I just want to hide from all of this