The guards grabbed me by the arms and yanked me to my feet. Once I was standing, they continued to grip, as if I might try to run away. “I’m not surprised,” Lena said, turning up her nose at me. “It was only a matter of time before this one started some trouble.” I struggled to maintain my calm. “She wished harm onto my daughter.” Kirsten rolled her eyes. “Please. No one believes that. I am of the highest breeding. My word carries so much more weight than yours, or that of your spawn.” “But –” “Save your excuses for the head of the royal guard.” Lena cut me off. “He’ll be the one deciding a punishment that will fit this show of disrespect.” The head of the royal guard? Not the King or Queen or the princes? Lena must have seen the confusion on my face. “Arguments between candidates