I couldn't watch anymore. Couldn't bear to see them drag her away, couldn't stand the smugness on Damien's face or the false accusations the crowds confirmed around me.
They all spoke like they'd witnessed each crime, like they knew her.
Akari is many things, but neither of what was mentioned.
Without a word to anyone, I turned on my heel and stormed out of the castle.
The guards at the gate barely had time to step aside as I barreled through.
My feet carried me away from the castle.
I needed air. I needed to leave the suffocation that was the imperial castle.
A place I never really liked.
They'd assigned me a room, filled with lavish and luxury, a far cry from what I was used to, a bribe.
A reward.
None of it would make me forget what exactly I'd done, how it will stick
