Rena woke to a pale sunrise spilling across her ornate room. She still wasn't accustomed to the plush pillows or the marble floors, and for a moment, she half-expected to open her door and find Aunt Sorren's cottage beyond. Instead, the view from her window revealed the castle's bustling courtyard, where servants, guards, and court officials were already busy with their morning tasks.
A timid knock on the door brought her fully awake. A young maid peeked in, balancing a tray laden with fresh fruit, bread, and steaming tea. She curtsied, eyes wide with a mix of awe and nerves.
"Good morning, Your Highness. Chancellor Eldorin has asked me to escort you to your first lesson in royal etiquette—if it pleases you."
Rena's heart gave a little flutter. Lesson in royal etiquette. She'd known it was coming; Queen Maribel had mentioned as much the day before. Still, the reality of it felt overwhelming. She smiled, hoping to put the maid at ease. "Thank you. I'll eat quickly and be right out."
The maid left the tray on a small table, curtsied again, and disappeared. Rena sighed, steeling herself. She'd learned to heal the wounded, to soothe wild animals—but not how to stand, speak, and dine in some complicated courtly fashion. Taking a seat by the tray, she picked at the fruit, her appetite dulled by nerves. I have to do this. For my parents. For Silverstrand.
Once she'd changed into a simple but elegant gown (a soft lilac piece that the attendants had provided), she slipped into the corridor. The same maid waited for her, and together they made their way through a series of stone passages. Tapestries fluttered in the morning draft, depicting Silverstrand's proud history—battles won, treaties sealed, a lineage of rulers crowned beneath a glowing moon. Rena couldn't help but wonder if she'd ever feel like she truly belonged among these storied figures.
Chancellor Eldorin and Lady Halene were waiting in a modest salon with tall windows overlooking the royal gardens. Outside, dew glistened on white lilies, and a light breeze stirred the petals. Eldorin bowed slightly; Lady Halene offered a polite curtsy.
"Good morning, Princess," Eldorin said, gesturing to a small cluster of chairs arranged by a long table. "We've prepared a brief introduction to the customs of court address, seating, and formal reception protocols."
Rena sat, trying to hide how stiff she felt in the unfamiliar gown. "I appreciate your guidance," she managed. "I've never… done any of this."
Lady Halene's expression held warmth. "You'll learn quickly. We don't expect perfection at once—only willingness to adapt. The upcoming royal announcement will be your first official appearance, and we want you to feel confident."
Eldorin opened a slim volume filled with neatly penned notes. "Let's begin with address. When you enter the great hall, the herald will announce you. You'll walk forward and curtsy at the dais if the king and queen are present. That's typical protocol for a princess returning to the fold. Then you—"
He paused as a soft knock sounded at the salon door. A guard stepped in, saluting briskly. "Pardon the interruption, Chancellor. There's news from the outer city—Lord Severin's carriage was spotted returning at dawn. He's accompanied by several unknown riders."
Tension flickered in Eldorin's eyes; Lady Halene's lips tightened. Rena's pulse quickened. Severin. The name echoed through her thoughts like a warning bell. Was he hurrying back to challenge her claim?
"Thank you," Eldorin said curtly. "Please instruct the city guard to maintain vigilance."
The guard bowed and departed. In the hush that followed, Rena could almost feel the shift in mood. Eldorin closed the volume of notes, sighing. "It seems we may face complications sooner than expected."
Lady Halene smoothed the front of her gown. "We must ensure the formal announcement happens quickly. The people already whisper of your return, Princess, but a clear statement from the king and queen will weaken Severin's hold on public opinion."
Rena glanced at the two advisors. "What do I need to do?"
Eldorin cleared his throat. "Focus on your etiquette lessons and remain visible around the palace—greet the staff, speak kindly to the guards. Show that you're not some rumor conjured up by the crown. Genuine presence helps quell doubt."
"Yes," Lady Halene agreed. "And if Severin demands a private audience with you, do not go alone. Always have a guard, or Gareth, or an advisor with you."
Rena nodded, her stomach fluttering. She appreciated their support, but the idea of confronting Severin—whether indirectly at court or face to face—frightened her. Still, she felt a flicker of determination. I've come this far. I won't let fear keep me silent.
Eldorin offered a faint smile, turning back to his notes. "Now, if we may proceed—let's discuss posture and greeting protocol. When a high noble approaches…"
Despite the looming threat of Severin, Rena devoted herself to the lesson. Over the next hour, she practiced formal greetings, the proper way to address dukes and barons, and how to accept a curtsy or bow with composure. It was both tedious and nerve-wracking, but she found a small satisfaction in learning the rituals that made up this new world.
When the session ended, Lady Halene escorted Rena into the garden for a short walk, encouraging her to relax before the midday meal. The warm sun felt soothing on her skin, the scent of lilies even more potent in the open air. A few castle staff and passing courtiers caught sight of her, bowing respectfully. Rena tried to return their gestures with the poised nod Halene had drilled into her.
"Very good, Your Highness," Halene said with a smile. "Before long, this will feel more natural."
Rena managed a half-smile, her thoughts already drifting to Severin's arrival. "I hope so. The last thing I want is to embarrass my parents at a critical moment."
They strolled past a low hedge, trimmed into a moon-and-lily shape to echo the royal crest. A group of guards stood by a fountain, and Rena recognized Gareth among them. He approached, bowing briefly, but his face wore a hint of urgency.
"Princess," he said, glancing at Lady Halene. "I've just heard that Lord Severin petitioned for an audience with the king this afternoon."
Rena's mouth went dry. "Already?"
Gareth nodded. "He moves quickly. Likely to test the waters now that you're here. King Darius wants you to observe the meeting, but only if you feel prepared. He won't force you."
Lady Halene's hand tightened on Rena's arm. "It's your choice. Severin can be… intimidating. But if you're present, it underscores your legitimacy. Still, it might be best to wait if you're unsure."
Rena's heart pounded. A part of her wanted to hide behind lessons and closed doors, but she remembered the wounded knight who died from Severin's poison-laced plot (the rumors Gareth had mentioned), and her parents' pale faces. I'm not here to cower, she told herself, inhaling. I'm here to protect them, to protect Silverstrand.
She squared her shoulders. "I'll attend—if the king allows it. I want to see Severin's face when he learns I'm not just a rumor."
Gareth flashed a small grin of approval; Lady Halene looked slightly nervous but gave a nod. "Very well, Princess. Let's inform the king."
They returned indoors to prepare, Rena's thoughts whirling as she made her way back to her chamber. She shed the lilac gown for something a bit more formal—a flowing dress in silver and pale blue, colors that echoed the kingdom's crest. The attendants helped pin up her hair, leaving a few curls framing her face. In the mirror, she barely recognized herself. Yet there was a resolve in her eyes she hadn't seen before.
I can't let fear consume me. She touched the pendant at her throat. This is bigger than me.
In less than an hour, she would stand in the same room as the man who sought to usurp her family's throne. Her hands trembled, but she steadied them. I will be strong, for the king and queen who searched for me, for the kingdom that needs hope.
When a knock sounded at the door, she stood tall, bracing herself. Let Severin come. She was done hiding—this time, she would face the threat head-on, determined to prove to Silverstrand that their lost princess was ready to defend her rightful place.