17. Seventeen

At dawn, Amara wakes in Ezra’s bed, savoring the joy of their first night together and reflecting on how meeting Ezra transformed her once-solitary life. She joins Ezra on the balcony for coffee, basking in the warmth between them and acknowledging the imperfect path that led to her current happiness.

Ezra nervously asks if he hurt or disappointed her. Amara assures him the night was “amazing,” and when Ezra calls himself a disappointment to his kingdom, Amara takes his hand and promises he will save it. Buoyed by her faith, Ezra tells Amara he must leave for a few days to finalize wedding preparations and arranges for the seamstress to meet her, promising to make up for lost time when he returns.

That afternoon, Poppy escorts Amara to the castle’s fitting room, where a skilled seamstress greets her. Amara requests a grand ballroom-style dress, but the seamstress reminds her she will be a queen, not a princess, and begins guiding choices through slips, corsets, and lace.

After reviewing many options, Amara selects a floral-embroidered tulle and finalizes the design, supported by Poppy’s enthusiastic input. When asked about the king, Amara simply says he is kind—quietly affirming her feelings as she embraces the role and responsibilities awaiting her.