Chapter 62
“My Queen, what do I do? I know the laws inside and out; there isn’t a single loophole that would allow me to leave the guard,” Arden said, her voice trembling with the weight of her own helplessness.
They were in the bathroom for privacy reasons. Calliope stayed by her side, her presence acting as an anchor to keep Arden grounded. Though today’s tardiness hadn't officially made it onto her permanent record, the damage was done in the court of public opinion. Every sideways glance from the other guards felt like a spotlight on her cracking facade—and that was the last thing Arden wanted. She couldn't afford to have eyes on her for the wrong reasons.
“I understand, Arden, but you can’t keep trying to follow the rules when they are destroying you,” Calliope replied, her tone fi
