Page 105 of The Throne's Undoing

Ellie nudged him with her elbow, and Graeson lifted his gaze. She nodded at his plate, where his fingers tightly gripped a piece of bread, causing it to crumble. He unclenched his hand, and the remaining crumbs fell onto the plate.

"We have received messages about a call for more soldiers in the event of another attack, though I fear that Sebastian's reasoning is only a coverup," Ophelia said, her expression grave.

"This is ridiculous." Dani slammed a fist against the table, rattling the dishes upon it. "While we sit here waiting for Kallie to heal, Ardentol and Frenzia are raising forces. Has there been any word from Esmeray or my father?"

Ophelia shook her head. "No, I am afraid not."

Beside her, Medenia pursed her lips, worry drawing her brows together. "My mother still awaits Esmeray's word as well. She will not raise our banners unless Pontia does first."

Dani stood abruptly, her chair scratching against the floor as she scoffed. "A war is coming, yet those in power wish to live in ignorance."

Her boots pounded against the ground in her departure, Sylvia following close behind.

In their absence, a deafening silence swept over the room that could not dare be ignored.

Chapter 35

MYRA

As Myra laidin her cell praying to the gods for sleep to drown her, her eyes snapped open as snarling sounded outside her cell.

As the noises grew closer and louder, Myra held her breath--as if that would do her any good when she was locked in a cage.

Sweat soaked her skin as thrashing and clawing followed. Nails scraped against the walls. A loud crash sounded, followed by someone cursing and muttering, the clamor setting her on edge.

"Let's get him locked up and get the fuck out of here," a muffled voice--a guard, Myra assumed--said.

A struggle sounded outside, followed by a softthump.

Then they were walking again, the wheels of a cart squealing.

And though the snarling had vanished, terror and fear from the hall flooded into the small space. Myra's body shook as the feelings surrounded her, melting into her skin.

Chapter 36

KALLIE

After stoppingto talk to one of the healers, Medenia made her way to Kallie.

The princess wore a sage-green dress with fabric that draped at the wrists and swept across the floor as she walked. Her raven-black hair was woven into a single plait that hung over her shoulders. A silver headpiece with crystals embedded in the metal sat upon her head, nestled within the braid.

Meanwhile, her dog, Beau, weaved around her feet, nearly causing her to stumble twice. Medenia didn't even bat an eye. Instead, the princess smiled brightly at Kallie, and Kallie returned the gesture.

Over the past few days, Kallie had begun to feel better, more herself, whoever that was. She was even starting to consider Medenia a friend, or at least a companion.

"You're rather dressed up for a stroll, don't you think?" Kallie mused as she leaned a hip against the foot of the bed.

The princess chuckled. "That is because I will unfortunately not be partaking in today's walk."

"I see," Kallie said, a pang of disappointment filling her breast before she quickly discarded it.

Medenia grabbed her hands. "Come now, do not be sad. I have made other arrangements for you," she beamed.

Kallie rolled her eyes in an attempt to mask the fact that the princess had clocked her so easily. "I am not a child. I do not need to be cared for."

Medenia pursed her lips, her eyes flicking to the guards at the doors before the princess could catch herself.

Kallie sighed. "All right, the necessity of the guards aside, you have no obligation to entertain me. You have your own duties to attend to," she said, her gaze sweeping over the formal ensemble the princess donned.

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