Joanne’s POV
The walk back to Alexander’s chambers felt longer than any corridor should. My stomach twisted with every step, guilt knotting tighter and heavier. The whispers of the court followed me like phantoms.
They called me dangerous and unfit to stand by the side of their prince. The way the King stared down at me like I was nothing more than a bug he’d like to squash sent a chill down my spine. Despite Alexander’s protection, I knew nothing could protect me from the wrath of the King.
Beneath all their cruel words, there was still the bitter truth that Alexander had lost his command because of me.
When the heavy doors closed behind us, the silence pressed harder than the voices had. I stared at the floor, afraid to meet his eyes… afraid of what I would see there.
“I’m sorry
