Margret inhaled deeply, steadying her trembling hands before finally speaking. “I’ll come out.”
The commotion outside her chamber quieted for a moment. The murmuring of the maids, the impatient shuffling of the guards—all stilled. Then, with hesitant steps, Margret unlocked the door and emerged, cradling her baby protectively in her arms.
Queen Elira stood at the threshold, her face a mask of barely restrained fury. She took one sweeping glance at Margret before hissing, “Why would you choose today, of all days, to humiliate me?”
Before Margret could answer, a sudden loud slap ran through the grand hall.
The entire assembly turned sharply toward the center of the room.
“You foolish, clumsy wench! Do you have any idea how much this gown costs?!” Evelyn’s sharp voice sliced through the
