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I had a lot of hopes But the only one I truly desired was that my name wouldn’t become my fate

—Calamity

PROLOGUE

WELCOME TO ALYRIA

My eyes widened as Grande No wonder she had wanted to go into town alone; I would have never let her buy such a thing Where did she even find the money?

“Why do we need a horse?” I asked

Grand beside her He was beautiful, with a white blaze down his nose and four white socks

“I thought a horse could help us plow the garden”

My brows pulled together “The garden? Grandarden is the size of this horse” All we had planted was a setables and potatoes for the two of us, and Grand herbs

She glanced at me, her expression of disapproval I should have known she would ignore my question with the way I was dressed “Do you listen to anything I teach you?” she asked, putting her hand on her hip I’d been ht of the cottage than how I had looked

“Of course” Sometimes

“Then why do you look like a strumpet?”

I sighed The heirdle of s Grandmother always had a ith propriety One I never understood We were peasants Why did we have to act like the women at court?

“Why did you buy a horse?” I asked, trying to change the subject

“I already told you”

A frown pulled on arden It had always been my job, and there was no reason that Grandmother should have spent a fortune on a horse to do it

I crossed et the money?”

“Girl, stop with the inquisition It’s been a long walk back from town,” she said as she headed past me to the small stable ned, which was more suited for a donkey than a horse

Worry began to gnaw ather e?

“Have you thought about the blackse offer?”

I paused Was that why she had bought the horse? Because she thought I was going to leave her?

“I’ about anything else It wasn’t even that I was thinking so much about him, than I was e; the shabby roof, the warped wooden door, and the dirty glass s

It had always been home, but I’d wondered ould coer wouldn’t be an to show some interest, a new door opened A door I didn’t necessarily want, but a door nonetheless Guilt sank like lead inelse inherwith me?

“I just want you to be happy, Cal”