***VERA***

The afternoon sun hung high, its light almost blinding, its heat piercing my forehead. I pulled my veil across my face and quickened my steps toward the castle.

By the time I reached my chamber, my chest felt tight, as if it was being pulled together by a strong string. I shut the door behind me and leaned against it for a moment, pressing a hand to my chest. My fingers trembled. My head ached with the weight of everything that had happened. I slowly slid down the door, burying my ...