The cost of loyalty

(Lina)

I wasn't wasting another second. I needed to get to the royal court before Elara had a chance to twist the truth or make up some lie. 

Throwing on a coat, I slipped out of my room and made my way down the hall. My steps were quick but steady; I wanted to stay calm and focused. This was my moment.

As I reached the royal court, I could hear murmurs inside. I paused just outside the doors, gathering myself. The last thing I wanted was to look shaken. I pushed open the doors and stepped in, catching the attention of every member in the room.

They all looked at me with a mix of curiosity and surprise. But I didn't waste time with explanations.

I pulled out my phone and played the recording. Elara's voice filled the room, her cold words echoing around us. The members of the court listened in silence, their faces growing darker with every word she spoke.