Chapter 159. End Her Life

Her reprimand was stern, yet oddly maternal. The truth of her words stung: I still had blood crusted on my legs, and my dress was stained and filthy. I looked down at myself, cheeks burning with shame, unable to speak. The guards’ laughter rumbled in the corridor behind her, mingling with the echo of her scolding.

Swallowing my pride, I forced myself to stand. My legs wobbled, but I managed to lift my chin. The elderly woman turned to me, steepling her fingers.

“I will have you bathed—immediately,” she declared. “Once you are clean, I will have food prepared for you, and you will eat. Understand?”

I nodded, my throat too tight for words.

She inclined her head ever so slightly. “Good. I expect you to be spotless in minutes. Is that clear?”

I swallowed again, then managed a single, shaky “Yes.”

As she swept from the room, the two guards flanking her fell into step behind. Their boots clomped against the stone floor, echoing down the hallway until, w