Chapter 26

HAZEL

The maids I’m passing by are speaking in hushed tones about the embarrassment and humiliation I endured at their hands and as usual, Cathy and Gwen are in the middle of the conversation. As they keep talking about it, the words pierce my heart like daggers and I can't help the pain I feel in that moment.

It is at that moment I know — with a sinking feeling of inevitability — that I’m indeed the reason for the King’s return. My altercation with the maids didn’t go unnoticed because someone definitely reported the situation to him, and now, they will have to face the consequences of their actions, whatever that may be. I just hope it’s not something too drastic because I won’t be able to stomach that if it happens.

***

Now, I’m alone in my room and I’m completely surrounded by the deafening silence of my thoughts. I wrestle with the weight of the impending visit from the king.

I can hear the rest of the people in the pack house buzzing about with excitement and anticipation, an