You’ve been cooped up in the library for days now,” Serena says, pulling out a chair beside me. “You’re here, but it’s like you aren’t here at all.”I look up from the book in front of me, regret rendering me speechless. She’s right. I’ve been working on finding a way back to Eldiria without taking a moment to enjoy the time I have here. For months I missed my sister terribly, and now that I’m here, I’ve barely taken any time to be with her.“I’m sorry, Serena,” I murmur, my hand wrapping over hers.“What’s going on with you? You haven’t been the same since you got back. You’ve always been reserved and quiet, but never with me. You’re right here with me, so how come I still miss you?”I bite down on my lip, a fresh wave of guilt washing over me. “You’re right,” I tell her, closing the book I was reading. “I’m sorry, sweetness. I’m yours for the rest of the day, okay?”Her eyes drop to the book on the table and she grimaces. “Why do these books about Eldiria’s history fascinate you so?”I look away, unable to look her in the eye as I lie to her. “I thought it would be good to learn more about the country I call home now. I know what Eldiria is like currently, but I wonder what it used to be. The way it’s grown is fascinating, and I was hoping to learn more about the evolution from the small country it once was to the empire it is today. Besides, I suppose I’m a little homesick.”“This is your home, Arabella,” Serena says, sounding offended. “What is going on with you? That monster took you from us, breaking Father’s fingers before taking you away without giving us a chance to say goodbye. You tried to run the day before your wedding, and now that you’re finally back, you’re dreaming of Eldiria? Of him? What has he done to you?”I look her in the eye, unable to push aside the discomfort and anger I feel. “The question you should ask is what has he done for me,” I tell her, my voice soft despite my anger. “Did you ever stop to think about why he reacted the way he did on our wedding day? Felix has never hurt me, Serena. All he’s ever done is stand up for me against those who have hurt me. I stood there on our wedding day, in excruciating pain, because our own father whipped me until I passed out, leaving me lying on the cold stone floor, locked in a tower. Yet you’re surprised I’d favor the man who’d avenge and protect me over the people who have always condemned me?”Her face blanches, and she looks away, her arms wrapping around herself. “Arabella,” she whispers. “Magic is illegal in Althea. It always has been, and you know that. I don’t condone Father’s actions, but he told me he did it because he was certain you possessed magic. It’s the law.”I stare at her in disbelief. For years, I thought she was simply unaware of the extent of my punishments, and I was always happy to keep her blissfully unaware. “You knew what he’d been doing to me throughout the years, and you never spoke up. Not even you would stand up for me.”Serena looks away, her expression betraying her torment. “I couldn’t, Arabella. I’m powerless against him. We both are.”“If you couldn’t stand up for me, then the very least you can do is appreciate that someone will.”Serena rises to her feet, tears in her eyes. “It isn’t like that, and you know it. Fates, Arabella. All I wanted was to spend some time with you, perhaps sneak into town now that Father’s court is in session, the way we always used to. I don’t understand why you’re so antagonistic these days. What have I done to deserve your wrath?”Father’s court is in session, and I wasn’t notified? I rise from my seat and shake my head. “Nothing, Serena. You did nothing.”I used to think that she couldn’t help it, that she was unaware, or that she was merely young, but she isn’t. “You are a princess of our country, Serena. It is your duty to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. It is your plight to be the voice of those who are silenced. It’s about time you take those duties to heart.”I grab my cloak and wrap it around my shoulders, my heart softening as I tie it closed. I’ve had months to learn and grow, to see the suffering of my people, and to fight against injustice. I can acknowledge that Serena has never seen any of that—but that does not absolve her of her responsibilities.“I love you, sister. I admit that my time in Eldiria has changed me, but in my opinion it’s for the better. I’ll make more time, all right? In return, you must promise to think of what I just told you. This is no longer the Althea you used to know. Althea is part of Eldiria now. Magic is no longer prohibited, and one of the strongest sorceresses I have ever known commands our army. There is a place for you in our empire, if you dare step up to the role.”She looks startled, the gears in her mind turning. I smile at her as I walk away, leaving her alone with her thoughts. I can only hope she leans into her potential. I may be able to push her in the right direction, but I can’t make her act.“Where are you going?” she calls as I reach the large library doors, and I look back at her with a smile on my face.noveldrama“The throne room. How could I possibly miss Father’s court session? I am, after all, the Empress of Eldiria.”