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Trapping the Empress
Pulling herself back together, Aurora knew she would have to go back to the party if she had any hope to salvage the situation. On one hand she was slightly relieved that the secrets were out, but she was mortified by the twisted way the story was presented. She had to admit that Cafer's version seemed more believable than what had actually happened. Aurora hoped that her kindness to her people would keep them from thinking the worst of her.
Anna fanned the Empress gently, unsure what to say. Nurlan was equally at a loss for words. "Anyone who believes that words cannot hurt them has never had a cross thing said to them in their life," Aurora said bitterly to break the silence.
"I am sorry, Your Majesty. That was a cruel trick to play." Anna felt motherly compassion for her mistress.
"Cafer is a master manipulator," Nurlan added angrily. "Warfare on the mind is very effective." The soldier was not good with comfort, but
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