Excitement in the drain

Kendrick's POV

My eyes narrowed as I heard Audrey announce that I had to be flogged and I swiftly turned in the direction of her voice. I felt deeply hurt as if she betrayed me but she actually did nothing to me. I was just the one who was being too wishful and optimistic in a hopeless situation like this.

"Please Audrey, you can't do this after the battle earlier today," Jake protested.

"One stroke for Jake too."

"Queen Emerald," I began, swallowing my bitterness to speak as I couldn't let Jake be punished simply because he wanted to defend me. "Jake didn't do anything and even if he has provoked you, please don't forget that he had severe injuries from the battle and needs to recover quickly so he can aid you."

"How dare you try to plead for someone else when you are also in the wrong?" she snapped. "One more stroke for his impudence!"

As she spoke, it felt like an arrow was shot straight through my heart. I couldn't believe that I had been so happy and thought that she w