Maia
In Garnet Falls, my reception is just as loud, noisy, and boisterous as it was in Wellmore Village, as I sit on the horse, properly this time, in front of Sir Hugo, and can see everything. Hundreds of people gather around me, cheering and throwing flower petals at me.
‘Thank you, Princess!’ They shout.
I smile at their misplaced gratitude, and avoid making eye contact with them.
They try to hand me gifts of food, flowers, fabrics, trinkets and smelling salts. I ignore all the gifts being passed to me, but Sir Hugo accepts anything of value and packs them in the overfilled saddle sacks, behind himself.
‘I’m feeling anxious, it’s entirely too much, and my head spins, as people grab at my new dress, and generally overwhelm me with their noise and their presence. The ener
