The door clicked shut behind me. Finally, I was away from the Marie I didn't recognize.
The sound of the door felt like the family I dreamt of finding my entire life, fracturing...and all I could do was watch. Helplessly.
I leaned against the wall, gasping like I'd run miles, holding the dress she'd chosen for me, a dress that didn't feel like me.
Her words echoed and it made me flinch.
Abomination. He settled for you.
The word echoed in my skull.
Then Lyra was there. Of course she was. She always...always appeared at the most inconvenient time as smug as a cat that got the cream.
"Kaidaira" she said, holding out a thick piece of expensive paper. Her voice was all fake sugar. "Your approved speech for the Court introduction. Her Majesty finalized it this morning. You'll need to review it. Carefully."
My heart stopped.
Then it tried to hammer its way out of my chest.
"I'm... giving...a speech?" I managed to ask as my eyes scanned the elegant writing in front of me.
