Krane's face was blank, eyes hard as he stared at me.
"Even Jerard and Strem doubted who you were. They had their suspicions, but without you remembering, there was no guarantee." Silence stretched between us as his words sunk in.
"You knew?" the question was quiet, but I saw Krane flinch, betrayal licking at my chest.
"Kind of. I thought you were a rich Upper, not... " he looked away, "Not a... princess."
"And yet, you didn't say anything!" I argued, tone sharp. Krane dipped his head.
"I was told to wait until we knew for sure."
"So why didn't Jerard just turn me in?" My voice came out panicked. "Why did he keep me hidden for so long? Why didn't he contact someone above? Why didn't... why... " my breath started to shorten, chest tightening. White spots appeared at the edges of my v
