For the best?

- Kingdom of Azuka -

Keturah stood at the edge of her bed, her hand clenched into a fist, her eyes fixed on her father's angry stare. His gaze was predatory, akin to that of a predator eyeing its prey, ready to pounce. He was a short man with dark chocolate skin and neatly trimmed hair, sporting two tribal marks on each cheek that almost resembled intricate charcoal lines.

She didn't need to ask why he was upset, not after letting Verina leave the palace. Despite her trembling feet, Keturah held her father's gaze firmly. Her mother stood by, holding back tears as she shifted her glance between her husband and daughter, unsure of how to intervene.

"What have you done?" her father barked, his voice chillingly cold. If she hadn't anticipated his tone, she might have been trembling uncontrollably.