Chapter 69

SAGE lost

I count

I walked towards the dining hall with heavy feet. This, among other things, is what I hate about this place. I needed to up my poker face in front of those people and pretend as if I was delighted to be in their presence. When in fact, I hate everything about this place. t of how many times I have been letting out a loud sigh as I made my way to meet Her Majesty for breakfast. I left Titus in his room because I don't like having breakfast with him, yet here I am on my way to another meal with someone I don't like to meet "You'll be fine, my lady." Elara whispered in my ear as she tried to cheer me up.

"I don't I know how long I will be able to withstand being in this golforsaken place," I replied. "I need to come up with a plan in order for me to get out of here."

T

"Divorce is the only thing that will set you free, my lady

"Do you think I haven't thought about that? You have no idea how many times I have asked His Majesty to grant me divorce as soon as he stepped in front of our door?"

"Then reject him," she suggested.

I let out a frustrated sigh. "He won't grant me a divorce. What makes you think he'll accept my rejection? I can't even

leave me alone, let alone sever our bond."

She blew out a heavy sigh of her own, crossing her arms as she leaned back against the dresser. "Yeah, you're right. If he won't even give you that, maybe the only option is to wait until he gets tired of you." Her

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I didn't understand why, but the thought of him growing tired of me made my heart twist painfully in my chest. It was like a knife being slowly driven into my heart, and I hated myself for feeling that

way

I wanted to scoff, to brush off the idea that his indifference would hurt me, but I couldn't. Instead, I stood there, staring at the floor, feeling the weight of her words settle like a heavy stone in my stomach.

Why did the idea of him not wanting me anymore hurt so much? Shouldn't I want him to stop and let me go? Shouldn't I be relieved? But all I could feel was a deep, aching emptiness at the thought of him simply walking away.

silent, my footsteps heavy as we made our way through the palace corridors toward the dining hall. Elara walked beside me, her presence steady, but her earlier words still echoed

Why

it would mean I'd finally be free of him. Yet, the thought gnawed at something deep inside me, a feeling I didn't want to acknowledge. I clenched my jaw, pushing it aside. As we approached the massive doors of the dining hall, the faint sound of laughter and soft conversation drifted out, an unwelcome reminder that I wasn't walking into a casual breakfast. The queen's concubines were already gathered, and I had. no doubt I was walking into

head of it sat Her Majesty, the queen. I could feel the gazes of the other concubines flicker toward me as I entered. Some were merely curious, while others barely concealed their disdain. I met none of their eyes, my focus solely on the queen as I made my way

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Chapter 69

the queen greeted, her

forced a smile, inclining my head in respect. "Good

chatter, but I felt like an outsider. The tension between me and the queen

the calm I'd been perfecting ever since I arrived here.

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voice cut through the air, pulling my attention back to her. "It seems, Lady Sage, that the charges against you. have been...

that made the hair on the back of my neck prickle. I could feel her eyes on me, cold and calculating, though she

my gaze to meet hers, careful to keep my expression neutral "Yes, Your Majesty. I was informed the real culprit has been apprehended" The queen smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Oh, yeah. Of course. I heard

holding her gaze. "I am grateful for the opportunity to clear my name,

could feel the tension between us. It was obvious shel wasn't happy

stayed quiet, watching closely, though I could sense their unease. They weren't clueless-they felt the

"It's interesting how things seem to work out when someone has the king's favor.", she

back, my position wasn't guaranteed. She saw me as competition, even if she wouldn't openly say

back down. "I understand how quickly things can change in

It would be unfortunate for

thickened, but I stood firm. I wasn't going to let her scare me, no matter how badly she wanted

gone.

I was done playing along

calm despite the heat rising inside me. "Of course, Your Majesty, I wouldn't

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awkward meal would finally be over, I fixed my eyes on the plate as I tried to avoid making eye contact with everyone on

lifted my gaze, meeting hers without flinching. "I

out a soft scoff, her lips curling into a condescending smile. "Didn't

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