We reached the main entrance of the new palace — a place only meant for royalty. Just before the doors opened, one of the guards turned to me sharply.
“On your knees,” he ordered.
I wanted to say no. I really wanted to refuse. But when the doors swung open and I saw who was inside, the words died in my throat.
There they were — the King, the Queen, and Anna — all seated on their thrones like judges in a courtroom. Damien was not among them.
My knees hit the floor as I bowed my head, swallowing my pride and confusion. I could feel the judgment in their eyes even before anyone said a word.
I didn’t even realize Valentina had followed us until I saw her walking toward the Queen. In her hand was a paper — the doctor’s report.
She handed it over with a slight bow.
The Queen scanned the d
