20 Epilogue

PRINCESS MAY WRIGHT sits at the bottom of the staircase leading to the wine cellar. She shifts in her silk red robe, hugging her knees. There isn’t anyone around for a while before she hears the clunking of heels behind her.

“Is this your newest hiding spot?”

What’s it got to do with you? May wants to ask her, but she knows her place in this palace by now. “It’s not like I can hide in a place you know every corner of,” she says instead. “Why?”

“Can I sit with you?” Ericia asks, stepping down.

May, taken aback, looks up at the Queen as she sits beside her and fixes her skirt.

“I just wanted to see if this would be worth it,” says Ericia.

“If what would be?”

“Trying to be your friend.”

May lowers her head and stares at her toes. “Hah,” she says, “I didn’t think you’d ever want to do that.”