Callis huffed, dissatisfaction etched so plainly on her face it might as well have been written across her forehead.
"Hey, are you all right?" Athillia asked softly at her side.
"I'm fine. Just… flustered. If I were Anna, I wouldn't even bother," Callis muttered.
The Bargesian princess smiled knowingly.
"That's exactly why she's the empress. She's not like us. And asking you instead of your brother, I think that was a clever move."
"Why?" Callis arched a brow.
"Because Prince Kiev wouldn't do it. His resentment runs too deep after being implicated in the case," Athillia explained.
The Mederian princess gave a slight nod. She was right. Kiev would never do it; the mere thought would have sent him into a fury.
"Anyway, I'm glad you're here. At least I don't feel so nervous now," Athillia admitted, drawing deep breaths.
Her hands trembled slightly. Her heart, however, pounded mercilessly. Would this turn out all right?
