Don't have any excuse!

Catherine remained quiet. She looked down at her lap again as the queen stood up from her throne and walked over to where she was standing.

"I believe you know that I have never hated you."

Catherine said nothing.

"I've come to realise that you haven't betrayed me because you're afraid of losing me. No, Catherine. You have done this because I deserve to live. And I think that I have come to realise what it means to be truly alive."

Catherine glanced up at the queen and saw that she was smiling kindly at her. The queen gently placed her hand on Catherine's arm.

"I'm sure you have many questions," the queen went on.

"but you mustn't worry. I will answer all of them."

A small smile crept onto Catherine's lips. "Thank you," she murmured quietly.

"Now, you have been through hell these past few weeks. If you feel ready for some food and rest now, we can talk later. For now, though... we should get you ready to leave. I know that you must be hungry after all that you've done today."

Catheri