Forty eight

*Freya*

As we made our way through the castle corridors, the weight of countless eyes bore into me. Servants and guards shamelessly gawked and whispered, their muted murmurs carrying the buzz of gossip. I just knew the other ladies would hear about it in no time. I fought the urge to shrink from their stares, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Rafe, however, didn't even care—his chin raised defiantly as we strode past the whispering throngs. I couldn't ...