Lilith's POV

When Shayla told her secret, the castle felt quiet. I stood there with my heart beating fast as her shaky words filled the heavy air. “I didn't want to, Your Highness. I promise! It just… he said he’d keep me safe, and I thought—”

“Stop!” I said quickly. The worried maid quieted down with her eyes big with fear. “You’ve talked enough for now.” I looked at the closest guard. “Go and get Dale right now.”

“Your Highness?” The guard paused with a worried look on his face.

“Do what I say,” I told him with my voice strong. Dale had to listen to this by herself.

I...