Chapter 49: Proving innocence

Esme did not get a wink of sleep after Aleister left the room. Every time she closed her eyes, she would be reminded of how she was drowning. In the end, she went back to her room to take a bath only to be invited by Duchess Flora for breakfast later. 

Aunt Greta picked up some black salt from the plates on the round dining table before sprinkling it near Esme's feet. 

Esme blinked as she came out of her reverie.

''Aunt Greta, our Prince won't take it well if you end up scaring her,'' Duchess Flora sighed. 

''I apologize if I scared you, my Lady,'' Aunt Greta stepped back from her, ''You are so beautiful and kind. I was just warding off the evil from you. No witch will cast her eyes in your direction-''

''Witch?" Esme stiffened. 

Duchess Flora shook her head at Aunt Greta who immediately went quiet.