Thinking or overthinking.

Valinor

Leiya

It took another two days to journey from Hepthan to Valinor. Within those two days, I read, slept and worried tirelessly about the whereabouts of my sister. I wondered where she was, if she was safe. I feared if she married someone kind or a monster like Lyle. Most of all, I hoped she was alive somewhere.

The reception at Valinor was different than at Hepthan. We were asked to wait outside the big gates of the castle until the king agreed to receive us. When he finally sent for us, we were let in. The rider for my horses walked behind me while we were led to the courtroom. When the doors opened, we met the king and his queen seated on a high table.

“Your majesties,”

I briefly bent my knees and lowered my head in exoneration.

“I remember you,” the king muttered when I straightened up.

“You're Helion's queen.”

I instantly choked on my own breath at the sound of his words. For some reason, I was flattered that he remembered me that way b