Chapter 70 SAGE

My mind was in haze as we walked back to my chamber after that awkward breakfast with Her Majesty. She hasn't crossed my mind since I got here. Now that Her Majesty mentioned her, I can't help but think about what happened to her. "Elara, do you have any idea where they were keeping Annika?" I asked her. She looked surprised upon my sudden ínquiry about my sister. "What could be the reason for your sudden inquiry about your sister, my lady?"

"I'm just curious, that's all," I replied -

i

"I don't think this is a good idea, my lady. It will only bring up painful memories for you," she said.

"You may be right, but there's something that's been bothering me since then. I stopped right there. Though Elara proved herself to be a trusted friend, I don't think I'm ready to tell her about the truth behind Annika and my father. She blew a loud sigh of defeat before she spoke again. "I heard from one of the maids that Annika was being held in the dungeon, awaiting her sentence."

Still, the pull to conf I to confront Annika-to finally get answers-was undeniable.

I forced a a smile, a small one, to avoid giving anything away. I stayed silent, not offering any confirmation or denial. But her words had already set something in motion within me. Right then and there. I made a decision. I was going to visit Annika. Elara watched me watched me closely, her eyes scanning my face as if e as if searching for some clue about what I was thinking. I kept my expression neutral, not wanting her to see the conflict brewing beneath the surface. I knew what I had to do, but I wasn't entirely sure I was ready for it. "I'll be fine, Elara," I said softly, hoping to ease the concern I saw in her eyes. "I just need to handle a few things Elara tilted d her head, clearly not

convinced but wise enough to know when to step back. "Then let me accompany you, my lady" she said, her voice gentle but laced with worry.

I smiled, "I wished to to be alone, Elara. Elara. I hope you don't mind," I I insisted.

I can see the hesitation etched on her face, but she keeps mum about it.

"As you wish, my lady. Don't hesitate to call me if you need reading to where Annika was held captive. With every step, my heartbea quickened, my mind racing as I thought about what might happen to her after what she did.

I nodded. I nod offering a I slipped out of the room, the cold stone floor beneath my feet

before

ahead. My thoughts were a whirl of emotions as I made my way through the winding corridors of the palace, each turn bringing me closer to the dungeon. The dungeon was always a place of shadows-dark, damp, and oppressive. As I descended the narrow staircase that led to the lower levels, the air grew thicker, more suffocating. The flickering torches on the walls cast eerie, uneven light, making every step feel heavier. Finally, I reached the bottom, and a guard stood at attention, his expression stern. "Lady Sage,"

I said, my voice steady,

a moment, then gave a curt nod. "As you wish." led

He

Tue, Oct 22

Chapter 70

faint clinking of chains and soft murmurs echoing

of dampness and decay clung to the air, making the

her once-fine clothes now disheveled and tom. Her eyes flickered up to meet mine, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. "Sage," she finally said, her voice low, almost

"Annika," I replied, my voice cold, filled with all the hurt and betrayal that had built up over the

Her once proud and sharp features were now tired, her face thin with dark shadows under her eyes. The cell around her was small and filthy, with rough stone walls stained by years of neglect. Her hands, chained by heavy iron shackles, rested

the words thick the word with i irony. "It took him long to find you" I stared at her, my heart battling between anger and pity. The cell stank of mildew and rot, and the small slit of a window high above her head barely

be found said, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside me. If it was up to me, I'll never step foot into this horrible place ever again." She scoffed, her lips curling

I said, my voice low but steady, the accusation clear.

chamber, and for a moment, she looked as though she might break. But then she spoke again, her tone laced with something I hadn't expected-bitterness, yes, but also pain. "Do you really think I was

a sharp pain twisting inside me, but I refused to let it show. I had spent too many years carrying this weight, protecting the memory of my father from the venomous words of others. I wouldn't let Annika's words crack the foundation

defiance in her eyes didn't fade. She watched me carefully, as though she had expected this reaction, as though my anger was something she had prepared for. But it didn't matter. I wasn't going to let her rewrite the past, to turn my father into something

He would never have looked at another woman, much less a child." My voice trembled slightly at the end, but I forced it to remain steady. "What you're suggesting. it's vile. Disgusting" Annika's bitter smile only deepened, but this time there was

head, taking a step back from the bars of her cell. I couldn't be near her.

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Tue, Chapter 70

let her poison the one thing I had left of my father-his memory. "You're lying." I spat, my fists clenching at my sides. "You're just what to justify what you did by dragging him through the mud "Believe what you want," she said sofily, her voice carrying a weariness that

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