Chapter 40

Arya

King Samuel and Queen Helena come over to hug me, and I hold them back. But then the three of us all scream when the crown nearly fell from my head.

He takes it from me and puts it back on its pedestal hastily. “That was a close one. Let’s just leave that there. . . .”

With that, he trots over to us like a kid, and mom and I both laugh, then we hug each other tightly again. How long we’ve been in there hugging like that, I don’t know. All I know is that we all get shocked to attention by a knock on the door.

“Come in!” Queen Helena calls out, and then the door opens.

Walking in with a big smile on his face is no other than Arthur.

He bows as soon as he gets in, which I admit is kind of funny but also really sweet and adorable. “Good morning, your Highnesses.”

“Is that even a thing?” I joke.

Arthur straightens up and shrugs. “We will make it a thing.”

We all laugh, and King Samuel beckons him to come forward. “Come here, Arthur. Don’t just stand by the door like that. You know you