THE NEXT DAY
IN THE CASTLE
Aurora stands outside the queen's chambers, her hands shaking as she smooths down her dress. She's never been alone with the queen before. Usually there are other people around - her father, other nobles, servants bustling about. But today it's just going to be the two of them.
The invitation came this morning, delivered by one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting. Aurora had been planning to ask for an audience anyway, to apologize like Father ordered. But before she could work up the courage, the invitation arrived on fancy paper with the royal seal.
Her mind won't stop spinning. Why does the queen want to see her? Is she angry about yesterday too? Aurora's stomach twists into knots thinking about it. Maybe the queen wants to yell at her for making such a scene in the courtyard. Maybe she thinks Aurora is a bad influence on Prince Armen.
Marwen spent an hour getting her ready, dabbing powder on the bruise that still throbs on her cheek. The swelling around her eyes has gone down a little, but they're still red and puffy from crying. Aurora tried to smile in the mirror, but it looked fake and wobbly.
The door opens, and Aurora jumps. The doorman announces her name in his deep voice, and suddenly she's walking into the most beautiful room she's ever seen. Sunlight streams through tall windows, making the silk curtains glow like gold. Fresh flowers sit in crystal vases, filling the air with the scent of roses.
Queen Kahlan stands by a small table set for tea. She turns and smiles, and Aurora's breath catches. The queen is even more beautiful up close, with kind eyes and silver-streaked hair pinned up with tiny pearls. But what surprises Aurora most is how warm her smile is.
"Aurora," the queen says, walking over with her arms open.
Before Aurora can curtsy properly, Queen Kahlan pulls her into a gentle hug. Aurora freezes for a second, then melts into the embrace. It feels like being hugged by sunshine. Her eyes fill with tears she didn't know were still there.
"It's lovely to finally meet you, Aurora," Queen Kahlan says, pulling back but keeping hold of Aurora's hands. "I've heard so much about you."
Aurora blinks, confused. "You have?"
Queen Kahlan's smile gets even warmer. "From Armen, of course. He speaks of you often."
Aurora's mouth falls open a little. "He does?"
"Yes, you're all he's talked about lately. I've been wanting to meet you properly, but there never seemed to be the right time. Please, sit."
Aurora sits in the chair the queen points to, still feeling like she's in a dream. Queen Kahlan pours tea into a delicate cup painted with tiny blue flowers. The china is so thin Aurora can almost see through it.
"Oh, please, let me pour my own tea," Aurora says quickly. It doesn't seem right for the queen to serve her.
Queen Kahlan laughs, a sound like silver bells. "Nonsense, dear. I'm perfectly capable of pouring tea."
Aurora looks around the room. It's strange not seeing any servants hovering nearby. "Where are your ladies-in-waiting?"
"I sent them away," Queen Kahlan says, settling into her own chair. "I wanted us to speak privately."
Aurora nods, though her smile feels nervous. She takes a tiny sip of tea and tries not to think about how her hands are trembling.
"I must say, Aurora, you're even more lovely than Armen described."
Heat floods Aurora's cheeks. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Queen Kahlan waves her hand. "Please, call me Queen Kahlan. We don't need to be so formal."
That helps Aurora relax a little. There's something about the queen that makes her feel safe, like Marwen does.
Queen Kahlan leans forward, her eyes bright with curiosity. "Tell me, Aurora, what do you think of my son?"
Aurora's heart does a little flip. She wasn't expecting that question. She sets down her teacup carefully, buying herself time to think.
"Be honest, child," Queen Kahlan says softly. "I want to know what you truly think."
Aurora takes a shaky breath. "I think Prince Armen is kind and brave. He's always been there for me, even when I didn't deserve it."
Queen Kahlan's whole face lights up. "That's my son. He has a good heart, and his compassion for others is one of his greatest strengths."
Warmth spreads through Aurora's chest. She's always loved that about Armen - how he notices when people are sad, how he goes out of his way to help.
"I've watched you and Armen grow up together," Queen Kahlan continues, leaning back in her chair. "And I must say, I've always been fond of the bond the two of you share."
Aurora's cheeks get hot again. She hadn't realized anyone was paying attention to their friendship.
"What do you think is the reason for your bond with Armen?" Queen Kahlan asks.
Aurora chews her bottom lip, thinking. She's never really put it into words before. "I think it's because we've always been honest with each other. Armen never judges me, and I feel like I can be myself around him."
"That's beautiful," Queen Kahlan says, her voice soft. "Honesty and trust are the foundation of any strong relationship. I'm glad to see that you and Armen have that."
Relief washes over Aurora. She'd been so worried the queen would think she was too wild, too improper for a prince to befriend.
Queen Kahlan leans forward again, and something in her expression changes. Her voice drops to almost a whisper. "Aurora, I want to ask you something. Do you have feelings for Armen beyond friendship?"
Aurora's heart stops. Then starts beating so fast she's sure Queen Kahlan can hear it. She opens her mouth, closes it, opens it again. Her cheeks feel like they're on fire.
"I...I don't know," she finally stammers.
Queen Kahlan's smile is gentle and understanding. "It's okay, child. You don't have to have all the answers. But I will say this: Armen cares deeply for you, and I think you two could be very happy together."
Aurora's eyes go wide. Armen cares for her? Like that? The thought makes her stomach do somersaults.
Queen Kahlan reaches across the table and takes Aurora's hand. Her touch is warm and comforting. "I want you to know that I approve of you, Aurora. You're a kind and gentle soul, and I think you'd make a wonderful partner for Armen."
Aurora feels tears prick her eyes again, but these are different tears - happy ones.
"I couldn't help but notice yesterday how much you two care for each other," Queen Kahlan continues. "And I know you will miss him very much."
The mention of yesterday makes Aurora's throat tight. "I want to apologize for yesterday," she starts, but Queen Kahlan cuts her off.
"It was a beautiful thing to watch, and I know he is going to miss you tremendously."
Now Aurora really is crying, but she doesn't care. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Queen Kahlan squeezes her hand. "Call me Queen Kahlan, child. We're going to be family, after all."
Family. The word makes Aurora's heart soar.
Queen Kahlan's expression turns playful, and she sits back with a grin. "Now, enough of the sappy talk. Tell me about yourself, Aurora."
Aurora laughs through her tears, feeling lighter than she has in days. "Well, Your Majesty - I mean, Queen Kahlan - I'm not sure where to start."
"Start anywhere you like, dear."
"I've lived in the palace my whole life. I love reading and riding horses. I spend a lot of time in the gardens, looking for interesting bugs and flowers." Aurora pauses, then adds shyly, "I also like to write."
Queen Kahlan's eyes light up. "Writing? What kind of writing do you enjoy?"
Aurora's face brightens. "Stories, mostly. And sometimes poetry. I find it helps me make sense of things."
"I've always been fascinated by the art of writing. Perhaps one day, you can share some of your work with me."
As they sip their tea and nibble on tiny cakes that taste like heaven, Aurora and Queen Kahlan talk about everything - books they've read, places they'd like to visit, their favorite horses in the stable. The afternoon sun moves across the room, and Aurora realizes she's never felt so comfortable talking to an adult before.
For the first time since Prince Armen left, Aurora feels like maybe everything might be okay after all.