"I'm sorry, my king," she repeated. "It's not my fault, it's Tara's idea," her voice trembled with guilt, as her eyes pleaded mercy, hoping that the mention of Tara's involvement would absolve her wrong doing.

Derek's expression turned puzzled, his brows furrowing in confusion. "What are you saying? Tara's idea? What is it?" Derek asked, his tone firm, but laced with curiosity.

Ashina trembled, her eyes welled up with tears as she realized the gravity of what she had done. "Tara advised me to plant that man, the one in custody," her voice barely above a whisper.

Derek's face darkened. "So, are you telling me that the Queen had nothing...