can Ki

of dawn filtered through the

gnawed at the edges of my conscious

of the bed and stood, running a

y mind, centering around a particular servant

ay

was different from any other woman I had known, and de

g I wasn't accustomed to. But it was more than just that. There was an un

er stepfamily confronting

ne was high, as I remembered being the

irring up conflicting emotion

nterrupted by a sha

led out, my voice

rave. "Your Majesty, we have a situation. The s

panic I couldn't explain. "When did this

esty. We were alerted by her stepfamily, who

ow dare they let her leave

ed, my tone brooking no argument. "I want her

ouldn't fathom why Kayla's disappearance affected me so deeply, but I knew

earch party fanned out across the castle

us scenarios, each more unsettling than the las

ustration mounted, and I was about to join the search myse

d frightened Kayla back into the courtyard. Relief washed over m

voice sharp. "Care

ne, her eyes downcast

pproached, sneeri

Lily, taunted. "The little whore is having a child,

but before I could respond, Kayla spo

in. "But I will not disclose the father's identity.

the matter. You will tell us who the f

the fear in Kayla's eyes. I wanted to speak up and tell

have this conversation," I said to them and turn

to leave. I watched her retreating figure, my

to her quarters. She looked exhausted and scare

he door behind me. "I need to know

ing up in her eyes. "Ye

my chest. "And the

ds trembling. "Yes, Your Ma

. I had suspected as much, but hearing it

ou tell me?" I

reaking. "I didn't know what to do. I thou

storm of emotions within me. "You should

d to rest. Tomorrow, we wi

slightly reassured. "Th

ughts running through my head , knowing

*********

NEXT

he great hall. Kayla stood in the center, her eyes darting around nerv

ly announced, stepping forward. "

sped tightly in front of her. The roo

finally stammered, he

ou will tell us, or you w

er fear evident. I could no long

r," I declared,

Lily and J

gaze met mine, filled with a mix of relief and astonishment. The hall buzze

," I continued, my voic