Aspen’s POV
As the carriages disappeared past the castle wall, I broke down and began to sob. My family rushed over to me and wrapped me in their arms.
“It’s all right,” my mother said, rubbing my back. “It’s all right, my darling.”
It took a while for me to stop crying. When my tears trickled to a sniffle, Blanche asked quietly, “How long are you going to stay?”
“Hush, let’s not worry about that now,” my mother interrupted quickly. “Aspen will know when it’s time to go back.”
“We need to get her ready for the pronouncement,” Aira said, starting to shoo the family back into the castle.
“Pronouncement?” I echoed.
“Yes,” my father stated. “The people have heard of the return of their princess. They want to see you. We will be presenting you to them.”
I blinked. “How exactly does that
