Phoebe's POV
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have acted like that..." Jude whispered, her voice barely audible as shame and terror consumed her. She dropped to her knees before me. "I overreacted and I'm truly sorry," she said, regret heavy in her tone.
The concept still seemed foreign to her—the way Perry and I could tease each other so freely. She'd never witnessed a man and woman interact with such playful banter. In her experience, when they struck, it was with brutal force. No humor existed in those exchanges.
Our casual dynamic clearly caught her off guard.
"I'm sorry," Jude repeated, the words tumbling out again.
Watching Jude's terror, Timothy rushed to her side, urging her to rise. "It's alright, you'll adjust to it. Please, stand up."
I felt a sharp pang seeing Jude's distress. The wounds left by this kingdom's men ran deeper than I'd imagined, scarring these women's souls.
"It's fine, Jude." I knelt beside her, gently encouraging her to get up.
