Verity's pov

The next morning, I was startled when a guard appeared at my door instead of Caleb. He bowed stiffly, though there was no warmth in his manner, and told me to follow him. I didn’t ask questions, only rose quietly, smoothing down the plain dress I had been given the night before.

When we stepped into the corridor, he glanced at me from the corner of his eye. “His Majesty also said to tell you to cover your throat.”

My hand flew instinctively to my neck. When my fingers ...