Even two years later, the scene still torments my nightmares. Hearing unfamiliar voices followed by footsteps, feeling anger and fear warring in my body as I ran to Juliette's room. The concerned expression on her face as she noticed my frantic one. The way I clutched her hand as we ran to the servant's entrance.

How we both suddenly stopped as men in black uniforms surrounded us. My hands shaking as I pushed Juliette behind me. A sudden feeling of terror in my body as one of the men lunged at me, apparently slamming my head against the wall. What shocked me the most, however, was the voice I'd heard moments later.

A voice I hadn't heard in years and never thought I would hear again. I remembered nothing after that except waking up later in my old room in Moonbright.

I toss and turn in my sleep, a whimper slipping from my lips. When my eyes fly open seconds later, my gaze darting around the darkened bedroom, I have to take several deep breaths. Remind me that I'm safe. Soft snores beside me draw my attention away from the nightmare.

Ethan's sleeping deeply, a rare occurrence for him. For me, it's practically unheard of. Most days, I still can't believe I'm here. Considering everything it's taken for us to get to this point... I shake my head, rubbing my face with a hand.

Glancing at the clock beside our bed, I release a heavy breath—12:34 A.M. We'd only gone to bed two hours before, the two of us busy with the arrangements for King Lucas' funeral. Ethan's father had died just a week ago after a sudden heart attack. We'd been married barely two years, but after moving to Maliwen shortly after the wedding, it had taken me no time to get acquainted with his parents.

They'd been so welcoming—making sure I had everything I needed and doting on me. As a result, I was devastated when I heard of the king's passing. Aside from the unfortunate incident during the rebel attack in Moonbright a few years earlier, I hadn't spoken to or had any contact with my father in years. It'd been nice to have a fatherly figure in my life again.

My heart clenches now as I think of Queen Vanessa. She hasn't left her room since the news broke. Only her ladies-in-waiting were to enter—except for Ethan.

As quietly as possible, I slip out of bed, pulling a robe over my nightgown. With sleep an impossibility now, I decide to sit by the fire with a book. I grab the one waiting on my nightstand and silently slip out of the room. I go down the long hallway separating our suite from the rest of the castle. Aside from gaining a new family, I'd also acquired a new title—Princess of Maliwen.

That had indeed taken some adjusting. For the first few weeks of living here, I'd clung to Ethan's side, barely speaking to or making eye contact with anyone. Whenever I heard someone address me by my new title, it took me several minutes to respond.

Now, it's second nature to answer to Princess. I nestle into the soft silk couch, throwing a blanket over my legs. I quickly lose myself in the book, so I jump when the large grandfather clock across from me suddenly chimes the hour. My eyes widen—I hadn't known I'd been reading that long.

It's nearly time for breakfast. Ethan's no doubt wondering where I am. I rush back into our suite, quickly changing into a dress. As I make to leave the suite again, I catch sight of my reflection in the mirror. Weary eyes stare back at me, highlighting the gauntness of my face.

Concealer has been my lifesaver these past few months. It's the only pampering I allow myself to indulge in. Anything else is just too much. I dab some under my eyes, covering dark circles—the result of the many near-sleepless nights I'd had over the past few months.

Ethan knows about the nightmares—he's comforted me many nights when sleep has been impossible. He's stayed awake, held me and listened to my worries and fears. I don't know where I would be without him.

Indeed, when I reach the dining room, Ethan's deep voice reaches my ears. It takes all my self-control not to rush inside and greet him. Instead, I keep my pace sedate, a happy smile on my face despite my fatigue.

He's talking to a man across from him but looks up at the sound of my approach. An identical smile is on his face, eyes softening with concern as he reads the exhaustion in my eyes. Rising from his chair, he takes my hand, kissing me gently. "Good morning, my love," he says, briefly letting go to pull out my chair.

I smile back but don't respond as I sit down beside him. As hard as I try, my gaze strays to the empty seat at the head of the table. My heart clenches again, a lump rising in my throat. When Ethan speaks again, I jump. I feel more than see the concerned glances everyone at the table exchanges.

"Everything okay?" he asks softly, his voice barely a whisper. "You were gone when I woke up this morning." As the kitchen staff begin serving, I swallow hard.

"Yeah," I respond, my voice equally as soft. "Just couldn't sleep."

He frowns slightly but doesn't press me. A few moments later, I hear heels clicking on the floor, and I look up. Allie grins, curtsying. "Your Highnesses," she says, eyes sparkling.

Nicole and my mother are seconds behind her. They do the same, grinning at us. Before sitting, Mom presses a kiss on the top of my head. Allie takes her usual place on my right, with Mom and Nicole across from me. Easy chatter begins, but I don't join in.

After the wedding, Mom and my sisters relocated from Moonbright to Maliwen. I'd been overjoyed at having them close by, and as it'd turned out, there were three perfect positions just waiting to be filled. When I'd formally introduced them to Queen Vanessa and King Lucas, they'd initially been a little nervous but quickly settled in. Mom loves her new job as lady-in-waiting for Queen Vanessa, and my sisters were ecstatic when Queen Vanessa suggested they become my ladies-in-waiting.

I couldn't be happier having my sisters here with me. Not only had I missed the female companionship I'd had with Juliette back in Moonbright, but I realized I'd missed Allie and Nicole more than I thought I would.

Between the nightmares and near-sleepless nights, I haven't had time to write to Juliette. She's sent me several letters since the wedding, but I haven't replied. Part of me is terrified to bring the nightmares out in the open—expose the memories I've kept hidden for so long.

I hear faint voices followed by footsteps, growing louder with every breath. My entire body goes rigid, and the sounds around me slowly bleed together until I'm not in the dining room anymore. I'm back in Moonbright, in my old room at the castle.

I can feel my ankle throbbing and hear both men's voices. "'The princess must be here.'" "'Check in every room and be discreet."' I hear a subtle Northern accent in one of the men's words that I hadn't before, but my panicked mind can't process anything more. A whimper escapes my lips as I squeeze my eyes shut.

When I feel a hand on my shoulder, I shriek. In my haste, the chair clatters to the floor as I jump up, my vision blinded by tears. I'm sure everyone has to be staring at me, but I don't even notice. A warm, soft voice fills my ears, blocking both men's voices.

"You're having a flashback. Breathe—slow, deep breaths. Focus on my voice. I'm right here. I need you to breathe, Laur." Ethan's voice is soothing, calming my racing heart.

I'm panting, sobbing through clenched teeth as he gently takes my hand. The word becomes a mantra—Breathe, breathe, breathe—until my breathing finally returns to normal, and the tears eventually subside. I have to blink several times before my vision clears enough to see Ethan's worried eyes scanning mine.

Sweat pours into my eyes, mixing with the lingering tears. Ethan's firm but gentle grip on my hand is the only thing keeping me upright. I'd done everything I could that day to protect Juliette, but—

Juliette! Her name pops into my head, drawing a cry from my throat. I've taken all of one step before a strong arm wraps around my shoulder, effortlessly taking my weight. The lingering exhaustion from the previous sleepless night, coupled with the unexpected flashback, has me all but unconscious in Allie's arms.

I try to stand independently, but my efforts are soon proven fruitless. Even if it weren't for the fatigue flowing through my body, neither my sister nor my husband even attempts to let me go. When I hear more footsteps, I freeze in my sister's arms.

"It's okay, Lauren," Nicole says, her voice low and soothing. Gwen—my newly appointed maid—speaks hastily to my sister, concern in every word. The exhaustion finally catches up with me so I don't hear Nicole's response. I'm asleep before we even leave the dining room.

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