Page 101 of The Princess and Her Grand King

Sinai’s hand went to her cheek, wincing slightly at the faint sting. “My little mouse was—”

A sudden, loud knock startled them. The door burst open, and Nora rushed in, her face pale with alarm.

“Frostfall’s royal guards are on their way!” Nora cried out with panic. “They’re coming here, mistress! They—”

Sinai’s heart skipped, but before she could process Nora’s words, the soldiers stormed into her chamber.

Seven of them. Each clad in official attire, their stern expressions leaving no doubt about the seriousness of their mission.

The lead guard stepped forward, unrolling a scroll with ceremonial gravity.

“By order of the Grand King and in accordance with the laws of Urai,” he announced with authority, “I hereby declare you, Lady Laelsienai Gurtazivrk, under arrest for the crime of attempted murder and assassination of an esteemed guest of our land, Princess Emeriel Galilea Evenstone. You are commanded to surrender immediately and without resistance. Any failure to comply will be met with force.”

All color drained from Sinai’s face.What…?

“I have no idea what you’re t-talking about!” she sputtered.

Despite her attempt to sound indignant, her voice trembled. “How dare you barge into my residence and make such ridiculous accusations—”

“I suggest you come quietly, mistress,” the guard warned, his tone hard. “Or we will apply force.”

"This is a mistake!" She cast a hysterical glance over her shoulder. "Daryl, tell them they have the wrong person. Tell them I've been here with you all night."

The high lord scrambled from the bed, hurriedly reaching for his clothes, his eyes wide with alarm. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Inside, Sinai’s panic mounted, though she tried desperately not to let it show.

How had they found out? She’d taken every precaution, left no trace, planned every detail to perfection.

“I did nothing wrong,” she spat. “I will not tolerate being wrongly accused by the likes of you!”

Two soldiers stepped forward, seizing her arms, dragging her towards the door. She struggled against their grip, but she was no match for their strength.

"I'm innocent!" she cried, but her protests fell on deaf ears.

As she was hauled through the hall, much to her horror, the other mistresses in her wing emerged from their chambers. Their eyes wide with curiosity and wicked delight as they witnessed her being dragged away like a common criminal.

Sinai had never felt such humiliation.

"Let me go!" she shouted, thrashing against their hold. "I will walk on my own!"

But her pleas were ignored.

Dread quickly overpowered her shame.

Fear of Daemonikai's anger, of his wrath. One she had faced once before, and vowed, never to provoke again.

The fear settled deeper within her, clawing at her chest.

This wasn't supposed to happen.This was meant to be my victory.

How had everything gone so wrong?

***

Emeriel drifted in and out of consciousness.

Each time she surfaced, someone was pressing a bitter herb to her lips, cooling her forehead with damp cloths, or coaxing her to eat. It was exhausting, intrusive.

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