DIANA
The ache in my chest refused to ease. It only got worse.
I couldn't just sit here anymore. I couldn't sit under the suffocating weight of those eyes while the court played their petty political games around me.
Trying to maintain every ounce of my etiquette training, I rose to my feet.
"Your Highness?" Sarah’s voice immediately drifted from behind me.
Beside her, Mina looked at me with worry. "What's wrong? Are you unwell?"
I turned to them, forcing a smile on my face. "I am going back to the palace. I feel lightheaded."
"We will accompany you, Princess," Mina said quickly, already reaching to gather her skirt to follow me.
"No," I countered, my voice soft but unyielding. I placed my hand on Mina’s arm to stop her. "Stay. Both of you. Enjoy the competition."
They blinked at
