Katherine’s POV
The ride to the etiquette building felt longer than usual, and my throat still hurt from last night, but I kept my steps steady as I walked down the long hallway. The guards opened the doors for me and every head in the room turned at once.
Dozens of eyes stared. Some widened, some narrowed. A few young males from the other classes had gathered at the doorway, pretending they needed something from the tutors, but they were clearly there to look at me. Gossips started immediately.
“She finally showed up.”
“Maybe she was punished.”
“I heard she collapsed.”
“No, I heard the King locked her away.”
“Maybe she ran off and they dragged her back.”
I ignored them and kept walking. My body felt heavy but I didn’t let it show. I sat in my usual seat and adjusted my dress, wait
