Valerie pov.
I felt myself slip further away from people. I wanted to be alone. Yes, my sister and Heath came and rescued me, but what does that say about the future queen? It shows weakness. It shows that I am not fit to be queen. I groom down the horses, all of them seem calm and quite happy with my presence. I sigh and lean against a tree. I need to rest, but I have to be stronger. This isn't what I'm supposed to be. Im not supposed to be weak. I need to be strong and powerful and brave. I have to be good enough to rule. I have to be able to get myself out of bad situations on my own, but I can't even escape the winter court. Nor did I try, for my lack of hope and darkness creeping in on my mind.