False Innocence

(Neva’s POV)

“How dare you?!”

My voice thundered through the courtyard.

Callista’s eyes went wide. Her hand still pressed against her reddened cheek, trembling. For a brief moment, I saw real fear flash in her eyes but then like a well-rehearsed act, her lips quivered, and tears gathered as she fell to her knees.

“My queen,” she cried, her voice breaking. “What have I done?”

The words dripped with