•••••••••••• Valerio •••••••••••• “My prince, lady,” Lucas the steward greets us with a bow. “Come with me,” Amara says to Clio, and I nod, telling her it’s alright; she can go with her. Christos and I are going to head to our parents, and it’s best we head there alone first. Lucas asks if we would like refreshments, but we don’t want anything. I won’t be able to drink, eat, or sleep until I get this over and done with. I look back at Clio, just as she does at me, and she gives me a soft, nervous smile, which I return with the best reassuring one I can muster. But the forced confidence drains out of my body the moment she disappears out of view, and I feel myself shaking. Clio isn’t the only one terrified; I am too, but I couldn’t allow myself to show on the plane. This is my home. I