ank you for using me as a scapegoat," she shot back, he

our own good?" he said, still at

at you don't have a daughter like me." She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the flo

self stepping into the crowd j

ct time," Kael said, a

, it wouldn't be with you," she rep

ad?" he teased, taking her hand and gently placin

on't want to dance with y

have a choice. Since you're here, let's

sie across the floor, making it see

osed to have my first dance with the king," she said under h

I'm terrified," he said with a light laugh. "But don't wo

her securely in his arms. The crowd erupted into applause, and her fa

beauty momentarily slipping through. He quickly set her upright, his thoughts ra

hered her into a room where they changed her into a simpler, shorter g

began. Cassie found herself distracted, s

" she sa

responde

ou a v

caping his lips. "Let's not talk about that right now," he

his expression was unreadab

hat? Are you insane?" she scoffed, masking her su

ot a fool, Cassie," he said calmly, his

washed over her. Her balance faltered, and she began to c

down at her unconscious form. "Cassie

n to the royal clinic, wher

the doctor said, his face filled with concern. "It's

ealized it was that drink-she had thought it was just a

o her," Zarea confessed, her voice trem

unforgiving. "Take her out and punish her. For attempti

lent, so quiet that one

orward, seizing Zarea a

ptivating, like a swan gliding across calm waters. Despite the doctor's grim words, a rare smile crossed hi

voice steady, before turning to leave wit

en, and she blinked, taking in her surroundings. She was now in a grand room far larger and more luxurious th

and skincare products on a nearby table, a stunning mirror mounted on the wa

l's arms, his worried expression, the weight

ning to jelly. She collapsed onto the floor with a loud thud, groaning

o the room, helping

ssie asked, her voi

no answer. Instead, they bowed and left

k came at the door. At first, she gave no respons

come

a woman around Zarea's ag

he woman greeted politely, making

want?" Cassie

nd bowed again. "I've been assig

ief. "Where is Zarea?" she dema

simply assigned by His Majesty to serve you," the woman e

tion rising within her. "Please tell the king that I wan

ed off to deliv

easing a shaky breath. She hated how everything was u

majestic throne, exuding an aura of dominance and

deeply. "Your Majesty, a

ively heavy. His piercing gaze locked onto the guard, causing t