“I’m sorry.” Lilly said stopping her. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you like that.” She kept her eyes on the flames of the fire.

“You did no such thing. I admire your strength Lilly. You simply must learn how and when to use it. Goodnight.”

Lilly sank into her thoughts as the door closed. She’d always longed to be alone and now that she was, she felt unsure of herself. It was so easy for her knowing that no matter what, her family was there to help her. The comfort of fighting with her mother and playing with her brother was always there. And no matter how miserable she was at times she always had her father to run to.

Now she only had herself, she had to admit it was a blow to her when Jaden took off so soon after arriving. But then she had become accustom to him not being there for her. She hadn’t seen him since her sixteenth birthday. They had their usual celebration. Sixteen is like a gateway to becoming a woman, and at the age of nineteen the change from childhood to adulthood is completed. After that day, he didn’t come back. She spent the next two birthdays with only her family. When she asked her father why. He told her that Jaden had important business and that he was bartering a treaty between the Rizel clans and Alura. Her memories haunted her all the rest of the day until she fell asleep hoping she was strong enough to make it.

After a week of studying and practicing balance and manners, decorum and formalities Lilly was allowed to have a few hours after supper to walk around the city. Clara had said she was ready to be seen in public without her there to chaperone. She did explore the city the first day but then she decided to stick to the gardens where it was quiet and peaceful, letting her think and be alone.

Passing some rose bushes she heard someone come up behind her and turned to see the young man she was practicing with a week ago. “My lady.” He bowed formally.