The following week returned quickly, and the school buzzed with conversation about what had transpired over the weekend between the two cousins, Cassia and Meret. The story had spread fast, and everyone had an opinion. No one could quite believe what had happened, but since it had come to the king’s attention, they were forced to acknowledge its authenticity.

“I can’t believe Cassia is gone from the school,” one student said. “I wonder what her fate will be.”

“Yeah… nothing has ...