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 turning

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

to visit Annika," I said, my voice steady, though

guard hesitated for a moment, then gave a curt nod. "As you

He

Tue, Oct 22

Chapter 70

narrow hallway lined with cells, the faint clinking of chains and soft murmurs echoing

decay clung to the air, making the atmosphere

wall, her once-fine clothes now disheveled and tom. Her eyes flickered

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

she hadn't spoken in days. 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 weakly in her lap, her wrists bruised and raw, showing the toll of her long imprisonment. Her hair, which used to shine, was

movement hurt, but her eyes stayed on mine. There was something different in them now-maybe guilt, or regret. But underneath all that exhaustion I could still see a spark of defiance, refusing to be snuffed out completely. "So, you're back," she sai she said, her bitter, 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

to 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

low but steady, the accusation clear. "You brought these all

a hollow laugh, a sound that echoed in the narrow 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

father from the venomous words of others. I wouldn't let Annika's words crack the foundation I had built around him. bringing into this," I

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

now, sharpened by the raw hurt that burned in my chest. "He adored her. 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

of her cell. I couldn't be near her. I couldn't let her words twist

15:21

Tue, Chapter 70

through the mud "Believe what you want," she said sofily, her voice carrying a weariness that unsettled me. "But ask yourself-why would I lie now? Why would I make this up, knowing full well it

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255