Ashley

The king didn’t speak at all after we left Doctor Cane’s office. The walk back to my room was quiet, filled only with the soft sound of our footsteps echoing through the palace corridors. I didn’t want him to walk me, but he insisted, his presence heavy behind me. I could feel the weight of the conversation we were about to have pressing down on me, and every step made my stomach twist tighter.

When we reached my room, I opened the door and stepped inside, my hands clasped nervously in front of me. I turned to face him.

“Thank you for saving me,” I whispered, my voice trembling...