LUCY
"When I was exiled from Virelan, my father sent me off with one of the palace cars and a driver. His name was Castin. Was, because he is dead now."
I state the fact with a clinical coldness, kickstarting my story.
But before I can continue, the Supreme King raises a hand for me to stop. He turns his gaze toward my father, who has long since returned to his seat at the Supreme's command.
"Is that true, King Karon?"
My father nods slowly, his shoulders tight. "Yes, my King. I sent her with Castin. When he didn't return to give his report, I thought… I thought perhaps he had decided to stay with her in the human lands to help her settle in."
He pauses, his throat working as he swallows. "But after a year, when he didn't return—and neither did the Princess, for she had promised her mother she would—I started to get worried. I sent scouts to search for her and the driver, but they turned up with nothing. Even as recently as a few weeks ago, they found no trace."
