Chapter 51

—Ellie—

Mom and I sat in the garden on a swing, enjoying a warm fall day. I’d been back for only three days, and it was the first time Mom and I were really alone.

Our feet gently kicked the ground to keep the swing in motion. Mom held my hand, peering up at the sky. I knew she had questions but couldn’t ask them, and I wasn’t sure if I could give her answers.

“Why did you give Arianna to Drake?” I asked eventually to say something.

“It’s not what we wanted, not what Drake wanted, but we need to bind our families. It’s what’s expected,” Mom said. “And he’s a decent man.”

“You said the same words to me on the day we were bethrothed.”

Mom paled but managed a small nod. “I wanted to take away your fears.”

“I know.”

Her blue eyes held mine, filling with anguish. She touched my cheek. “I wanted only the best for you. I wanted happiness. I wanted a man who would carry you on his hands, who showed you kindness like