Cindra’s POV
The narrow streets were familiar and oddly welcoming. I had always felt more at peace among the poorest members of the village than I ever had in the palace. Walking quickly, I kept the hood of my ratty cloak pulled up as I headed down the narrow alleyway that led toward the orphanage. The air was thick with the muck that littered the streets, yet it felt clearer than the air of the castle. Out here, I wasn’t Cindra Azer, hated cousin of the current princes and princess, but just another citizen.
I didn’t have to think about my upcoming rejection, what would happen to me in the future, Helio, Kalinda, or anything else. With each step, I shook off the tension that had been gripping me all day.
As I navigated through the lively but worn neighborhood, anonymity embraced me. I
