“Your father died?” the queen asked.
Jane nodded. “Yes. A year ago tomorrow.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay,” she smiled sheepishly.
“So your best friend since you were a child, who helped you hide out and dress as a boy, told the royal guards where to find you because she thought she was doing what was best for you?” the queen rattled off.
“And took the reward money happily,” Jane added bitterly.
“Yes, that’s right. And I’m guessing you didn’t anticipate her turning you in?” she asked.
“No, not at all. She told me a few times that I needed to register and do my evaluation with the prince, and that I needed to get out and find a man who would help take care of me and my family. But I…I didn’t think she would stoop so slow. She knew I was worried about my mother, who hasn’t been right s
