Chapter 63. Make It Three

VESTA

“How is that even possible?” she asked, her eyes narrowing as she looked at me. “Rome is on lockdown. No one goes in or out easily. Especially out. Even most traders can’t slip through the gates now, so don’t think you can disguise yourself as one.”

I blinked, slightly taken aback. “Is that really your concern? How I will leave Rome?” I asked, surprised. “I thought you’d try to stop me, tell me it’s too dangerous.”

“Vesta,” she said, her voice firm. “This has been long overdue. While you’ve been busy wining and dining in the palace, your child has been in the hands of the monster you once fought so hard to escape. This is a decision you should have made the moment you had a chance at safety here. As a mother, you must protect your child or die trying.” Her words struck me hard, and for a brief moment, I wondered if she had always harbored this resentment toward me.

She set the basket aside, stood, and walked over to me, her expression softening slightly