The only glimpse of the outside world I could steal was through a crack in the corner of the wall.
A few women passed by on the road, whispering about the wedding at the Northguard Stephens Estate.
"Did you hear? The Grand Chancellor's legitimate daughter petitioned the King himself to get a prince's Golden Circlet for the young heir. Traded three generations of military honors for it!"
"Well, he is the heir to the Northguard Marquessate. He deserves that kind of ceremony."
"They're a perfect match in status. What a handsome couple they'll make."
The Golden Circlet they spoke of had been my favorite in the palace. I simply hadn't reached the age to marry, so my father never bestowed it upon me.
On my own wedding night with Lola, all I had worn on my head was a wreath of flowers she'd woven by hand.
She had said, "My Alaric deserves the finest things in the world. Even a Crown Prince's Golden Circlet wouldn't be too good for you."
And now she had traded her family's honors to give that very circlet to Milton Stephens.
That evening, Lola brought a whole box of the pastries I loved.
She sat across from me, her expression calm. "Eat something. You haven't had a bite all day."