After Dad handed me the necklace, I slipped back into my bedroom. Magnus tried to conceal his interest, but I noticed his gaze flicker to the golden jewelry hanging from my neck. Something stirred in his dark, obsidian eyes—was it recognition, caution, or surprise? I couldn't quite place the emotion, but I was almost certain Magnus had seen this necklace before. I wondered just how familiar he was with this piece of jewelry. Did he understand its full potential?
Today, many of the Royal families began to arrive, but they were all required to stay in the nearest hotel. Although most were unhappy about this, none dared to openly defy my father. Zane and his family were set to arrive tomorrow—on my birthday. The thought of Zane's arrival sent my stomach into knots.
Since childhood, everyone
