There was a knock on the bedroom door. Catherine quickly wiped the tears from her face and straightened up her posture. She opened the door, hoping to look presentable enough for the queen to allow her to leave.

Instead, she saw the queen standing there with a concerned expression etched upon her features.

"What's wrong, Catherine?" the queen questioned, stepping further into the room.

Catherine averted her gaze. She didn't want to meet the queen's eyes. She had become so accustomed to the queen's kind face when she had first arrived at the palace.

But now, her kindness had vanished. Instead, Catherine was gazing anxiously into the queen's eyes, searching...