SWNOVELS Chapter Betryed 28
Chapter 28 TITUS
1 hadn't heard from Jane since this morning. Given the severity of the punishment she had inflicted on Sage, her silence was unusua was certain she wouldn't back down just because I had intervened to save Sage.
Jane had always been known for her jealousy. However, she had never once crossed the line with the other wives. What had driven her to target Sage to this extent? The question gnawed at me, the answer eluding my grasp. 1 looked at Sage, who was resting on the bed. Though she hadn't fully recovered, she was finally out of immediate danger. The memory of last night's chaos was still fresh in my mind. The guilt gnawed at me, a relentless reminder of my failure to protect her. I hated myself for not being there when she needed me most. I shouldn't have let this happen to her.
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As I sat beside her, watching her breathe steadily, my mind raced with thoughts of retribution and justice. Jane's actions were inexplicable, and I needed to understand what had driven her to such cruelty. But more importantly, I needed to ensure Sage's safety. She had ugh, and I couldn't bear to see her i in pain any longer.
urgent footsteps echoed in the hallway, drawing my attention. She entered the room, her face a mask of concern. "Your Majesty," she began, her voice trembling slightly, there are whispers in the palace. People are talking about what happened to Lady Sage." I clenched my jaw, the anger simmering just beneath the surface. "What are they saying?" I demanded.
"They're saying that Her Majesty is becoming more unstable," Elara replied, her eyes filled with worry. "They fear what she might do next."
I nodded, my mind already formulating a plan. "Keep your ears open and let me know if you hear anything else."
She nodded and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts once more. I looked down at Sage, her peaceful expression a stark contrast to the turmoil raging inside me. I reached out and gently took her hand in mine, vowing silently to protect her from any harm that might come her way. Scott, is the grand hall ready?" I asked, my voice cutting through the stillness of the
room.
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"Yes. Your Majesty. Scott replied promptly. "Tve already informed the queen's attendant of your wish to speak with her." "Good." I nodded, the weight of the impending confrontation settling over me. Before leaving. I turned back to Sage, gently placing a soft kiss on her forehead. "Rest well." I whispered, hoping my touch conveyed the reassurance she needed. With one last t glance at Sage. I steeled myself and stepped out of the room, Scott following close behind. The corridors of the palace f colder than usual, and the air was heavy with anticipation. My footsteps echoed off the stone walls as we made our way to the grand hall, a place that had seen countless moments of grandeur and conflict. Today, it would witness yet another significant confrontation. As we approached the grand hall, the ornate doors loomed ahead, a symbol of the authority and power held within. The guards standing at attention recognized me instantly; their expressions were a mix of respect and trepidation. They pushed the heavy doors open, the hinges creaking as if protesting the tension in the air.
Inside, the grand hall was a masterpiece of opulence and regality. Tall columns lined the walls, adorned with intricate carvings that depicted the history and legends of our kingdom. Chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, their crystals catching the light and casting a shimmering glow across the room. A long, polished table dominated the center, flanked by high-backed chairs upholstered in rich fabrics.
Jane was already seated at the head of the table, her posture regal, but her eyes betrayed a hint of unease. The attendants stood at a respectful distance, their faces carefully
neutral. As I entered, all eyes turned to me, and the atmosphere was thick with
expectation.
"Your Majesty," Jane greeted me, her voice steady but lacking its usual warmth. "I hear you wish to speak with me."
"Indeed," I replied, my tone measured. There are matters that require immediate attention and clarification."
I took my seat across from her, with Scott standing resolutely behind me. The tension between us was palpable-a silent battle of wills playing out in the grand hall.
Jane," I began, my voice firm, "we need to discuss your actions regarding Lady Sage."
Her eyes flashed with a mix of anger and defensiveness. "I did what I thought was necessary to maintain order in the palace," she retorted. "She broke the rules and had to be punished. "Punishment?" I echoed, my voice rising slightly. "You call torturing an innocent woman
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punishment?"
Jane's composure wavered for a moment, but she quickly regained her icy demeanor. "She was never an innocent woman, Your Majesty. She deliberately deceived us, and most importantly, you. Your Majesty," she insisted. "Her presence was causing discord among the other wives.
"And you think this justifies the cruelty you inflicted upon her?" I challenged; my anger barely contained itself. "You overstepped your bounds, Jane. You let jealousy cloud your judgment, and now an innocent woman suffers because of it."
flicker of uncertainty crossed her face, but she held her ground. "I was acting in the best interest of the kingdom," she said, her voice softer but still resolute.
The best interest of the kingdom?" I repeated, leaning forward. "Or your own insecurities?"
Jane's eyes widened, her composure finally cracking. "Insecurities? I did what I had to do to protect the inner court, Your Majesty. Our rule clearly dictates that a tribute should be pure and untouched. How can you act as if what she did wasn't a offense?" She snapped, her voice trembling.
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With respect to your position, I will let go of this matter. But I expect that you apologize to Sage once she recovers."
Her eyes widened in anger. "Did you hear what I just said? She came to the palace as a tainted woman. It's unfair for me and the other wives who tried our best to save ourselves for Your Majesty. You should not let this pass. You have to hold her responsible!" she insisted. "She didn't break any law, if that's what you're worried about," I said without giving much context.
"So, the rumors are true. That you are bewitched by that wench," she said, bitterness lacing her words.
"Watch your words, my queen. May I remind you that disrespecting the king's wife is a way of disrespecting the king?"
"And what about me, Your Majesty? Aren't you disrespecting me by bluntly taking her side instead of mine?"
My eyes darkened. "I don't answer to you, my queen. I don't see the need for me to explain my actions to you. I'm forgiving you for what you did to Sage. But let this be your warning. Lay another hand on her, and it will be your head that will be rolling on 3/4 12:58 Wed, Sep 11 0 0. Chapter 28
the ground," I warned her before leaving the grand hall.
Jane stood there, stunned into silence, as the heavy doors closed behind me. The gravity of my words hung in the air, a clear signal that her actions would not be tolerated. My footsteps echoed through the vast hallways as I made my way back to Sage's quarters, each step filled with purpose and resolve.