~ Isabella’s POV

The ride back to the palace was unbearably silent. Kate sat next to me, glancing at me every few seconds, probably wondering what to say. But what could she say? I was drowning in my thoughts, each one heavier than the last. The betrayal I felt was suffocating, and no words could soothe the storm raging inside me.

The driver slowed down at one point, probably expecting us to stop for groceries as planned, but Kate leaned forward and firmly told him, “No, just take us straight back to the palace.”

I didn’t even glance her way. My mind was too occupied. How could I have been...