Her words repeated over and over again in my head as I watched her pull back and away from me. "I cannot linger here, my love; I'm needed in Trianon tonight." A soft laugh erupted from her throat. "I wish I could take you with me now, but it's better if we wait. You need to be ready so that everything will be perfect."
I watched her retreat to her carriage, my mind whirling with elation, fear, and excitement. I had four years to practice. Four years to learn. Four years to prepare.
And when I turned seventeen, I'd be ready to take on all the world had to offer.