Quiet Exile

(Neva’s POV)

“You’ll be leaving the palace today.”

The King’s voice was cold, and final. It felt like the floor should give way and swallow me.

My lips parted, but no words came. His eyes didn’t soften, not even a flicker of warmth.

I turned to the Queen but she wasn’t looking at me.

She sat perfectly still, fingers knotted tightly in her lap, as if holding back. Her gaze was fixed on the marble b