Chapter 240: The Bad Dream.
"You’re going back home to your mother."
The maid’s head snapped up, her wide eyes reflecting disbelief. "Your Grace?"
"You’ve been pardoned," Salviana interjected softly, though her voice carried an edge. "You risked your job—and your soul—to please petty, malicious princesses."
The maid collapsed into a bow, her gratitude pouring out. "Thank you, Your Grace! Thank you for sparing me!"
But Alaric wasn’t finished. His words sliced through her relief like a dagger. "You will tell your mother what you did. You will face her shame. A guard will escort you home, and your village will know the truth."
Her face drained of color, and her shoulders sagged under the weight of her new punishment. She nodded weakly. "Thank you, Your Grace," she whispered, though her voice was tinged with despair. She knew what awaited her—a life of scorn and distrust from her own people.
Alaric’s voice was steel as he added, "But that will be after you testify against the princesses in court."
The maid’s head snapped up, her tears fresh. "Of course, Your Grace," she said, though her voice wavered.
"The court convenes tomorrow," Alaric declared, signaling to the guards. "Take her to the dungeons for now."
"Yes, Your Grace," the guards responded, lifting the weak and trembling maid to her feet. Her cries echoed faintly as they carried her away.
Salviana sighed deeply, leaning her head against Alaric’s shoulder. Her fingers laced with his, seeking comfort. "What now?" she whispered, her voice heavy with exhaustion.