Rose's hands twisted around her dress, scrambling to gather what was left of it. She leaned forward, trying to hide the parts she hadn't been able to save from the court lady's grip. She hid her face as she couldn't bear to see what was about to happen.
This was not only so embarrassing but humiliating, to be reduced to this state in front of so many eyes. She didn't do anything wrong. The crown prince was now standing so close to her, and the fact that he wasn't saying anything unnerved her even more.
"I'm sure whatever she did is pardonable," Caius said.
Rose could scarcely believe her ears, and she almost lifted her head to see what was happening. Why would he say something in her favor?
"No, I want her punished," Queen Violeta insisted.
"And she has been. Wasn't she slapped and almost stripped naked, Mother?" Caius asked darkly, staring down at the ladies beside the Queen.
"What? She was already in this state when I found her," Queen Violeta retorted.
