They left the warmth of the homestead and continued on their way, with her riding and Alexander again leading the horse. They’d make better time both riding, but the suggestion seemed too forward, and she couldn’t muster the courage. They traveled mostly without conversation, but he glanced back to check on her often, as he had the day before.
At midday, they stopped for a meal of salted meat and more bread. Norah looked over the powdered hills of snow and wondered how much farther until they reached the castle.
“Mercia is just beyond those hills,” Alexander said, pointing in the distance, as if reading her mind. His eyes met hers, and he smiled. “It’s beautiful.”
Norah forced a smile, but her stomach sat heavy. She tried to imagine her arrival. What would she say when she saw her grandmother? Would she recognize the woman? Would Norah be a disappointment to her?
“Here,” he said, handing her a wineskin. “This will help calm your nerves.”
She raised a brow. “Is it that obvious?”
He tipped his head to the side with a smirk. “A little. But you should be excited. You’ll be surrounded by people who love you and have waited for this day.”
“Alexander,” she said, looking into his eyes, “I’m trusting you.” It wasn’t a statement; it was a plea.
His face grew serious. “I’ll be by your side,” he promised. He offered his hand, and this time she took it. He lifted her to the saddle and then took up the reins and led the horse forward. They continued on, and Norah sipped from the wineskin as they went.
As they reached the final peak, she gasped. A large city sprawled from the base of the hills to the northern coast in the distance. On an island off the mainland, a castle stood with its turrets and spires sharp against the sun-filled sky.
“Mercia,” Alexander said as he looked back at her, his eyes shining. “Home.”
“It is beautiful,” she whispered.
“People will know who you are the moment they see you. Are you ready?”
She was nowhere near ready. She shifted in the saddle. “Do I look ready? No dirt on my face or sticks in my hair?”
He smiled. “No dirt or sticks. You’re beautiful.”
She couldn’t help but smile back.
Alexander led his horse down and through the city. People gathered along the sides of the streets as they saw them, murmuring to each other with increasing excitement. As she and Alexander passed, the crowd followed them. Shouts rang out, and Alexander looked back at her with his eyes bright.
People came in flocks now. She looked at all the faces; there were so many of them. Some were laughing, some were crying, some were merely watching in astonishment. A deep fear seeded itself inside her. She hadn’t entirely believed Alexander before… but what if she really was the princess? It all seemed very… impossibly possible now…
Just then, a bell rang out from the castle.
“Now everyone knows you’re here,” Alexander said.
They made their way to the bridge that connected the mainland to the castle’s island. Tall stone arches rose from the frozen waters, as if placed there by the gods. It was hard to believe this was the work of men. Streams of helmed soldiers poured out of the castle gates and lined either side of the bridge. Norah looked at them in awe as Alexander led her through and into the large courtyard inside the castle walls.
They stopped at an empty fountain in the center. He reached up to her, and she let him help her to the ground. A flash of white caught her eye, and she looked up to the banner of the winterhawk in the sky.
“White is the color of Mercia,” he explained. “The winterhawk is your father’s—your—sigil.” His blue eyes danced with excitement. “Welcome home, Norah.” He moved to lead her toward the castle.
“Alexander,” she called, stopping him.
He paused. “Yes?”
“Be near.” She needed him near.
“Always,” he promised.
Throngs of people flooded the courtyard from the terraced buildings surrounding the castle on the isle. Alexander led her through, moving slowly to keep her close. He summoned more guards, who closed in around them. Norah reached for his hand but then stopped herself. The want came so naturally, and it surprised her. They reached the stairs to the entrance, and he halted abruptly, pulling her from the thought.
Norah looked up to see a woman approaching, flanked by her guard. She was older, elegant and regal in a dark navy gown. Brown furs lay bulked around her neck and lined the hood of her cloak, but there was no missing the striking white hair peeking out from underneath. She floated down the stairs with magnetic beauty.
Alexander stepped forward. “Queen Regent.” He bowed. “I—”
But she moved past him, as if not seeing him, and not hearing him either. Her gaze was locked on Norah. She pulled back the hood of her cloak; the green pools of her eyes were filled with wisdom and the cautiousness of disbelief. She was slightly shorter than Norah but held a regal stature—the poise of power. Beauty graced her face with her high cheekbones, her bright eyes. Age respected this woman. She stared at Norah for a moment, her expression giving nothing away.
Norah bit the inside of her lip. Was this where everyone would discover she wasn’t who they thought? Perhaps that was better, anyway—to get it out of the way early and save them all from embarrassment later.
But then the woman’s lip trembled. “Norah,” she breathed. “Oh, my dear. You’ve finally come home.”
Or they would just continue with this insanity. Norah couldn’t move.
The queen regent reached out, brushing a lock of Norah’s hair with her fingertips, and tears sprang from her eyes. She let out a silent cry and embraced Norah, pulling her close.
Norah drew in a sharp breath. Her own eyes brimmed. Even though she was still lost to herself, this woman made her feel found. She let herself accept the warmth of the embrace, the warmth of love. Her fear, her anxiety, her worry, all stopped for a moment. She needed this embrace, and she let herself have it.
Stepping back, the regent’s eyes darted over her, taking her in. “How long we’ve waited for you to come home.”
Norah forced a smile, trying to quell her own emotion. She couldn’t find the words to speak.
“Queen Regent,” Alexander started again.
“You must be so tired,” she said to Norah. “Come. Come inside.”
“Catherine,” he said again, stronger now, finally pulling her attention. He leaned in close to her and said in a low voice, “She has no memory.”
The woman’s brows drew together. “What?”
He shook his head. “She doesn’t know herself, or you.” He paused a moment before he said, “She doesn’t know me.”
The regent looked at Norah in shock. “How ever did you find her?” But she didn’t give him time to respond. “No matter,” she said as she took Norah’s hand. “Come, child, let’s get you inside. We’ll figure it all out.”
Norah looked at Alexander, and he gave her a nod as the regent pulled her toward the castle. The oversize doors swung open, and the woman swept through, with Norah following behind. As the doors closed, they drowned out the sound of the crowd.