Chapter Eighty Two

The soft lamplight bathed the room in a warm, comforting glow, and the three women huddled together on Kazia's bed. Her room, their sanctuary, was a haven of camaraderie in the otherwise hostile palace. Kazia, the warmth of friendship giving her courage, began her tale.

"He just came into the storage room," she narrated, her voice trembling with a mix of apprehension and amazement. "He told me to follow him and said someone important wanted to meet me."

Iris, her brow furrowed in disbelief, responded, "The Beta's messenger actually came to fetch you? That's unheard of."

Kazia nodded, her thoughts still in disarray. "I couldn't believe it either. It's... different from anything that's happened here."

Elena, her fingers fidgeting with the fabric of her shabby dress, added, "Compared to what we've been through with Murad, it's hard to imagine someone connected to the palace being friendly."

Kazia's expression shifted to one of mild surprise. "Well, I wouldn't say he was exactly frien