Sairis's POV
Sairis watched her closely now. She was holding herself together, but barely. The queen was not raising her voice, not pressing in any obvious way, yet each word seemed to land exactly where it hurt most.
Greta let out a slow breath. "You were brought here for a purpose," she said. "Not for hesitation."
Candice's voice came quieter this time. "I understand."
"Do you?" Greta asked.
The question lingered.
Greta gave a small snort. "You used to be more confident and bold. What happened now?" she said. "Or is that only reserved for when you sit at a table with high officials and the king?"
Candice's throat moved as she swallowed, moving her gaze briefly to Sairis and then back to the queen. "I apologize if I have spoken in any inappropriate manner before you, your majesty," she said. "It was not intentional."
Sairis lowered his gaze slightly, hiding the flicker of reaction in his eyes as the tension in the room tightened further.
