The Weight of a Crown
Janelle's Pov
The bandages pulled tight against my ribs with every step. Each breath sent a sharp reminder through my body of what happened in the square. The guards parted when they saw me coming. Their eyes dropped to the floor. No one dared meet my gaze. I liked it that way. Fear was easier to handle than questions.
A knight stepped into my path.
The anger rose before I could stop it. My voice cut through the hallway like a blade. The knight's hands trembled at his sides. He could not form a single word. The other guards stood frozen. They watched but did nothing. They knew better than to interfere.
"Your father requires your presence." The knight finally managed to speak. His voice shook on every syllable. "He demands it at once."
I released his arm and watched him stumble backward. "Never stop me like that again. Do you understand?"
He nodded quickly and disappeared down the hall.
