CHAPTER FORTY FOUR
Nina’s warning rattles in my chest like loose coins, but I force my face smooth. I can’t walk into the royal court looking shaken because of her.
I straighten my spine, lift my chin, and tell Nina with a calm I don’t feel,“Let’s go. We can’t keep the king or the court waiting.”
I move quickly, slipping into one of the gowns I bought, soft cream silk that fits around my tiny bump like it’s made for me.
Nina rushes behind me, brushing my hair until it falls smoothly down my back. I apply a light makeup, nothing too much, just enough to hide how terrified I actually am.
No weakness. Not today.
By the time we leave my chambers, we have exactly fifteen minutes to reach the court.
Every step echoes down the hallway, reminding me that there’s no turning back now.
We
