*Daphne*

The air was thick with tension as we stood before my mother and father. Guards surrounded us completely. My parents had initially ordered me to stand with them and away from Rion and Eva, but I refused, determined to stay by their side to show that they were not a threat.

Eva kept her head down and her hands completely visible at all times as we stood in the royal throne room. Guards were stationed by the exit and several others were standing nearby, ...