The words landed like blows.
Isolde opened her mouth. Closed it. Tears spilled faster now. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Your Majesty. I thought... I thought I was helping."
"I know." Vetra's expression softened fractionally. "Which is why you're here instead of still locked in that holding chamber."
A knock interrupted them.
Sharp. Demanding.
Vetra's eyebrows rose fractionally. She wasn't expecting visitors. Had specifically instructed her staff that she wasn't receiving anyone tonight.
The knock came again. Louder.
"Your Grace." A servant's voice filtered through the door. Nervous. Apologetic. "You have a visitor."
"I'm not receiving—"
The door opened.
Vetra's head snapped toward the entrance, fury flashing across her face at the intrusion. No one opened her doors without permission. No one dared...
A woman stood in the doorway.
Or what had once been a woman.
Isolde gasped, hand flying to her mouth.
