CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
I wake up earlier than usual, the sunlight slicing across my room.
My chest feels heavy, today is the day I leave for the main royal house.
I already called my parents last night, inviting them to come for breakfast before I’m taken away.
They promised to arrive first thing in the morning.
Downstairs, I join Nina and Mia, who are setting the table.
They try to stop me from helping.
“Mel, go rest,” Nina insists.
“I can finish this,” Mia adds, taking a plate from my hands.
“No,” I tell them, arranging cups. “Just let me help. Please.”
They exchange a look but let me continue.
My phone rings.
It’s my dad.
I pick up immediately.
“Dad? Are you close?”
“We’re already at the main gate,” he says. “But the securities won’t let us drive in.”
I go still.
Then ang
