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Princess Yeri.

“He what!?” Diana says.

“Will you accept?” Beth asks.

“Princess?” Alice adds.

“I have accepted.” I say and they gasp. After they gasp, they stare at me in a manner that says everything they are thinking. I can see Diana’s face, it carries the most shock or is it shame, debauchery, blasphemy? I cannot tell. She struggles to maintain her composure. Her hands, which usually moves with gentle assurance, trembles slightly, and she instinctively clasps them together in front of her, as if trying to steady herself. The depth of her distress is evident in the subtle quiver of her lips and the tightness around her eyes.

The color has drained from all their faces.

Diana appears lost for words, her mouth opens and closes as she struggles to find a response.

“And why would you do that?” She asks.

“To save Elanor.” I state.

“And to lose yourself!?” She snaps at me and I jolt by the second. I do not say another word.

“It is bad enough that we are tainted by these barbarians but to bo