Too Late for Home

(Neva’s POV)

I froze.

For a second, I wasn’t sure I heard Aunt Vespa right.

“What… did you say?”

She smiled gently, like she was trying to soften a blow. “The King and Queen have asked that you come stay at the palace for a few weeks. They want you home.”

Home? That word burned.

I stared at her, my chest tightening. “They want me back?” I let out a bitter laugh. “Now?”

Aunt Vespa’s smile faded. “N