/-Zara-/

Gasps from several council members, murmurs of shock from others. Apparently, not everyone had known my true identity.

"Yes," Princess Sarai said, refusing to lie or dissemble. "The woman you're seeing here is Zara. A maid, from my kingdom. My personal maid infact."

I gasped, turning toward her. "Princess—" I mouthed, but she cut me off before I could continue.

"I switched places with full knowledge of the consequences. I was in love with my mate. I still am," she said, turning ...