Aria's heart thudded painfully in her chest as fear gripped her. The queen's sharp tone echoed in her mind. What had she done to warrant such a reaction? She stood abruptly, her knees trembling as she attempted to steady herself.
Her voice faltered as she opened her mouth to speak, her mind racing through every action she had taken earlier that day.
Did I offend someone? Was it because I fainted earlier? But how could that be wrong?
But that couldn't be the case, she wasn't sure anyone knew she had fainted.
Her thoughts spiraled into panic, but she managed to utter a weak, "Mother, did I… did I do something wrong?"
The queen's gaze was icy, her lips curling in disdain. "Who gave you the right to sit in that chair, Aria? A seat reserved for a princess—one who embodies grace and dignity. And you? You are not qualified."
