Chapter 45: Betrayal rises

Ustra's eyes met mine, her words heavy with an unspoken burden. "I did what I thought was necessary, for the kingdom's sake."

As her admission hung in the air, the truth settled over me like a shroud. Ustra's motives remained veiled, her actions shrouded in mystery, and I knew she did it to protect me but that didn't make it feel any more right.

The revelation of Ustra's involvement in the attacks left me reeling, a storm of emotions swirling within.Eyes that once held skepticism now carried a mix of dread and awe, as my role in the unfolding events began to shift from a mere pawn to a ruler embroiled in a dangerous web.

As I stood before the throne, the nobles' gaze bore into me like daggers. Lord Elsworth stepped forward, his voice dripping with venom. "It seems even your closest allies have turned against you, Empress."