Chapter 23. Say Your Goodbyes

Venus POV

Mistress Felicity let me go when she was satisfied with my answer. I was eager to return to my room and relieve Jess, so I just nodded to anything she said, barely listening anymore. She was just another hysterical mistress who wanted an upper hand in the palace. She checked for passersby in the hallway before nudging me out and closing the door behind me.

Quickly, I made my way to my room and started talking even before I opened the door.

“Sorry for taking so much time, but Mistress Felicity held me up and...”

My remaining words died on my lips when I lifted my head and saw Jess sitting alone in tears. There was no sign of Drew, and a cold, ghostlike hand gripped my spine. Her blonde hair was a mess from tugging on it, and she hugged her knees to herself. I went on one knee in front of her and shook her shoulders urgentl