I stood there like a criminal awaiting her sentence.
The waiting room, once a place of elegant charm and polished tea sets, now felt like a courtroom, and I—the supposed noble Lady Cecilia Von Arlen—Aka—the daughter of the family—was undeniably on trial.
For what, you ask?
For the heinous crime of disappearing for one day to "relax."
In front of me sat the jury of my nightmares—my entire family and crown prince of the kingdom—crown prince rahegar, each looking at me like I'd personally destroyed the kingdom's economy.
Father, seated like a looming statue with his arms crossed, his forehead creased in disappointment.
Mother, clutching a handkerchief like she was about to faint for the fifth time since I reappeared. Lora is taking care of her.
Theodore, my dear brother, looked as if he were mentally drafting a 300-page report to track my every movement. Tristian is staring at me as if he will be the first to catch me and bring me back here if I disappear once more.
