โOne of them has to break,โ the queen said to the princess. โOnly then can it begin.โ
โI know,โ the princess said softly. โBut the prince isn’t ready. It has to be her.โ
โThen do you understand what I am asking of you?โ
The princess looked up, toward the shaft of moonlight spilling into the tomb. When she looked back at the ancient queen, her eyes were bright. โYes.โ
โThen do what needs to be done.โ
The princess nodded and walked out of the tomb. She paused on the threshold, the darkness beyond beckoning to her, and turned back to the queen. โShe won’t understand. And when she goes over the edge, there will be nothing to pull her back.โ
โShe will find her way back. She always does.โ
Tears formed, but the princess blinked them away. โFor all our sakes, I hope you’re right.โ





