Eating your feelings

Anaisa had done her best to collect herself before standing and preparing to leave the king's chambers. She couldn't stay here forever, wallowing in self pity.

No wonder Father had treated her as practically worthless. With no noble blood, in the kingdom's eyes she was valuable to no one.

"Annie," Sapphira said softly. "You don't hate us, do you? Father and I. What he did to you…"

"Made complete sense." Anaisa shook her head, beginning to cast off the wretched feeling. There was nothing to be done. No position to restore her to.

Another sob broke from her throat, and a sound from the adjoining chamber filled her with guilt. She was disturbing the pregnant queen.

"Is everything all right?" The graceful woman emerged from her chamber, "I thought I heard–oh, dear."

"Annie is having a crisis," Sapphira explained as best she could. "She was kicked out of her home, and though Father ordered it, apparently she had blamed Barnabas–"