KEILAH

Before I could even begin to think about what this meant, the door opened again. Two beautiful women entered, their dark hair flowing smoothly behind their backs. They wore elegant gowns, their movements graceful as they stepped forward and bowed lightly.

One of them lifted her head and spoke softly. “Please follow us.”

I hesitated. “Where?”

“It’s the queen’s orders,” the other woman said gently. “We are to get you both ready.”

I glanced at Garbie, still feeling the weight of the queen’s words pressing down on me. But I had no choice. With a deep breath, I stood and followed them.

One of the women gently took Garbie’s...