*Vanessa’s POV*
Turning 18 twice wasn’t something I would have ever thought I’d be able to say. But here I was, on the eve of my birthday, ready to celebrate it again with a group of people I didn’t really know, and, for the life of me, couldn’t truly bring myself to care about that much.
Falcon, Hawke, Ariana, and Doris were around me. Falcon and Hawke were really only here at the instruction of their father as a way to let the people know that the royal family still thought of me as a part of them rather than an enemy.
Ariana found me alone later that night, when the time was ticking closer and closer to midnight. She took my by the arm and held me close as we walked, portraying the image of friendship.
“I’m going to speak to him tonight.”
“Who?” I asked her, and she looked at me.
“Who else? Hawke.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
