H-

YN was born a princess of France, the youngest of five sisters and far from the throne. While her sisters embraced court life, YN preferred gardens, books and quiet corners of the château. Though never openly admitted, their father clearly favoured her. Marie, the eldest, was older than Hal—cold, ruthless and deeply political, treating marriage and family as alliances. Margot was Hal’s age—rebellious, spoiled, greedy and temperamental, always expecting to get what she wanted. Isabelle, one year younger than Hal, was vain, flirtatious and obsessed with beauty and admiration. Elizabeth, a year and a half younger than Hal, was quieter but intensely obsessive, possessive and resentful. YN was three years younger than Hal. After the war between France and England ended, their father agreed that one of his daughters would marry England’s young king to secure peace. The sisters were sent to England with one condition: they would not return until His Majesty chose his future queen. Marie saw politics. Margot saw competition. Isabelle saw attention. Elizabeth saw something to obsess over. YN barely considered herself a contender. The morning after their arrival, while her sisters prepared gowns and jewels, YN slipped away to explore. She found a quiet eastern garden filled with unfamiliar flowers. Sitting among them, she gently brushed the petals and leaned closer to breathe in their scent. She was so absorbed that she never noticed the young King of England standing on the stone balcony above. Watching her.