CRYSTAL

I did as she instructed, stepping forward without hesitation. Winter already had one maid trailing closely behind her, and I positioned myself beside her maid.

“My Queen,” the maid who had dragged me earlier began, her voice tight. I couldn’t see Winter’s expression, but whatever rested on her face was enough to make the maid visibly uneasy. The sight of her discomfort sent a quiet thrill through me. “It’s not what you think-"

“You don’t need to explain anything,” ...