Chapter 25. Forbidden Fantasy

Anastasia's POV

To push away such thoughts, I put a piece of venison in my mouth and savor its succulence.

"Tell me, Anastasia, about the next trial… I heard around the palace that it's about knowledge of the neighboring kingdom," Flora says, her voice filled with genuine curiosity as she sips some wine beside me.

I nod, "Yes, about the Moongrave kingdom," I say cautiously. Remembering my old country is still painful.

"I've always wanted to visit other kingdoms. Have you ever been there?" Flora asks, her voice dreamy and excited.

I freeze in place for a few seconds at the question. I decide to take a sip of wine before answering her.

"No, I've never been there," I respond quickly and quietly as if the walls could hear me or Flora could detect my lie.

No one knows who I am or where I came from. Not even Ryan has asked where I'm from or why no one has come looking for me. I know