Page 75 of A Kingdom's Heart
her nightgown and into the new dress, letting the servants fasten the lace at her back. They brushed her hair until it fell smooth over her shoulders and clasped silver around her wrists and throat.
I tried not to look. I failed.
When she turned, the breath caught in my chest. She looked unreal, like something carved from light itself. Every movement seemed careful, graceful, though her eyes carried the same quiet sadness I’d seen before.
She had always been beautiful. Since the first time I saw her in that dim theatre, since the healer’s wing, since the river. But now she looked like the girl she was born to be; royalty. Untouchable.
She didn’t meet my eyes as she walked past me and out of the chamber. I followed at a distance, my boots echoing softly against the boards.
When we stepped onto the deck, the air hit us fresh and cold. The sea stretched wide, the morning light bright across the waves. Ahead, the shore was close enough to see.
Valebran rose from the cliffs, its castle towering high against the sky. Trees surrounded its walls, thick and green, and behind it, themountains stood tall, their peaks brushed with white. Parts of the castle reached into the slope itself, the stone blending with the rock.
It was vast. Beautiful in a way that felt distant.
Iris stood at the railing, her gaze fixed on it. I stayed a few steps
behind, watching the wind move through her hair and wondering how much of her would be lost to that place once we arrived.
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
IRIS
“Your Majesty, we have arrived!”
The call rang out from the deck, clear above the waves. My heart lurched.
I leaned forward on the railing, my hands tightening around the wood as the ship began to slow. The water near the shore was calmer, shallower, gleaming beneath the morning sun. Ahead, the docks were lined with banners of blue and gold, fluttering in the wind. A crowd had gathered; nobles, guards, servants. They were all waiting.
My breath came uneven. My fingers fidgeted with the lace at my wrist, the silk of my gown smooth beneath my shaking hands. I could feel the weight of the silver at my neck, too heavy now.
The ship bumped softly against the dock. The sound made my stomach twist.
“Your Highness,” one of the servants said again, bowing slightly, “it’s time.”
I nodded, though the movement felt stiff. My legs were weak as I turned toward the plank being lowered. My father was already
waiting, his posture straight, his expression calm. I envied it.
Behind me, I could sense William’s presence, silent but steady. Somehow that steadiness made it harder to breathe.
The plank touched the dock with a dull thud. The wind carried the faint scent of pine and salt.
I drew a breath, one that didn’t quite reach my chest, and stepped forward. My gown brushed the wood, soft against the sound of waves beneath. The crowd’s murmur grew louder.
“Smile,” my father said behind me.
I did as he asked, though it felt wrong. The smile didn’t reach my eyes. It was empty, like the painted faces of the women at court.
A man in a deep blue coat approached, bowing low until his forehead nearly touched his hand. “Your Graces,” he said, voice smooth and careful. “Welcome to Valebran. The royal family awaits you inside the castle.”
I nodded because it was expected. Words didn’t come.
We began to move, the wood of the dock giving way to pale stone. The path was lined with trees, tall and green, their leaves moving softly in the wind. The sea stretched close behind us, the sound of it steady and calm. That was the only part I liked, that the sea was close to the castle. It was the only thing that reminded me of home. Of the riverbank.
The guards followed at a steady pace, armor gleaming beneath
the sun. Behind them came the servants, their arms full of trunks and satchels. I turned my head, searching the crowd until I saw Raven. She walked beside the others, her expression tight but her
