Chapter 187

"What happened to Irenber?"

"They've all been taken away."

The situation was more dire than I'd expected.

"Janice didn't do anything, it wasn't her."

"I know. But there's no proof."

Cassion studied my face, drained white, in silence. Wearing the mask of reason like this, he felt like a stranger.

"You have to give up on Janice if you want to live, Diana."

"Your Highness, even if it costs me my own life—"

"No. That's not an option. I will absolutely keep you alive. So Diana, stay put. Don't do anything."

"And if I don't stay put?"

Cassion pulled me in and pressed a kiss to the top of my head.

"Please, don't do this."

He said it with real anguish. I pushed Cassion away with both hands. He let himself be pushed back, obediently. His expression was full of pain.

"I can't give up on her. Not Janice."

The…