Chapter 202: The Quiet Relief of Solitude
Lyria's POV
The Queen studied me for several long moments after I finished speaking.
Her gaze remained fixed upon me with the sort of scrutiny that made silence itself feel dangerous.
I kept my head bowed.
The tearoom had gone still again save for the occasional soft crackle from the hearth.
Then the Queen made a quiet scoffing sound.
It was elegant somehow.
Even her disdain carried refinement.
"How bold you have become," she said. "To think you now possess the audacity to lie while using Jacinta's name as your shield."
I lowered my head further immediately.
"I-I speak no lie, Your Majesty," I said softly. "I s-speak only the truth."
The Queen's eyes narrowed slightly.
I waited.
Part of me expected her to summon Jacinta at once. It would have been simple enough. One order and Jacinta would be brought here to confirm or deny my words.
And if Jacinta confirmed them, then the matter would settle itself.
If she denied them...
