*Vanessa POV*
I heard whispers and gossip of the messenger from Ozwaldt. He caused a stir because he had not delivered his message at court as was custom, rather he met with Erik in private. Naturally, everyone was curious as to what message King Orion had for Erik.
Whatever that message was, Erik was in no mood to discuss it because he had been absent from all proceedings and ordinary duties.
I thought about seeking him out and trying to talk to him … but our meeting the previous night had made it clear how he felt about me. He did not outright say it but he did not trust me at all. I could see the hurt in his eyes, the same look he had when he was back in the dungeon. He thought I was using his mother to manipulate him.
I could not keep trying to convince him again and again that I was not that Vanessa. The simple solution would be to tell him the truth but … that was no longer an option. If he did not trust me now, he would definitely not trust me once he knew the truth.
