Chapter 28 - CHAPTER 27

I curtsied low, forcing my shaking hands to stay steady as I greeted him. "Your Majesty," I murmured, the words scraping my throat like shards of glass. My every instinct screamed to run, but I couldn't. Not now. I straightened, keeping my face neutral as I clasped my trembling fingers together, hoping he wouldn't notice how nervous I was. "Would you care to take a walk with me? It's a beautiful night, and… there's something I'd like to discuss." My voice held steady, but I knew he could probably hear the panic pounding in my chest. I just had to keep it together. I needed to divert his attention—away from Dorian, away from Elara.