Faye's POV
Dawn had barely broken when Hardy departed for the borderlands. The approaching beast tide demanded his immediate attention, leaving me to face Stormwood Manor without him.
Now I sat trapped in this relentlessly jolting carriage with only Selena for company, my hands trembling despite my efforts to control them. Selena observed my distress and gently captured one of my shaking hands, pressing it firmly against my winter cloak.
"You will manage this perfectly," she assured me with quiet confidence. "Remember your position. You are the Princess Consort, wed to the Prince Regent himself. The instant you emerge from this carriage, lift your chin high. No soul in the northern territories will dare mistreat you. State your desires clearly and every person present will heed your words."
My eyes found hers, searching for certainty. "Can I truly command such authority?"
