The following morning, the city was ablaze with excitement. Nobles, servants, and guards buzzed with news concerning the upcoming expedition to the gates, complete with gossip about the arbiter, the arrival of a neighboring kingdom's army, and the incident at the banquet. As I followed Soltair and Trithe through the halls of the castle, I could feel their eyes lingering on my tail and horns, condemning my bloodline. More than a few muttered slurs and curses just loud enough for me to hear.
Soltair's off-handed remark as I fled the hall returned to me again and again. Things hadn't changed. Despite all the hardships I faced and all the progress I felt I had made, nothing had changed. I was still the same frightened girl as before, even fleeing the banquet in the same way I had before.
With a deep breath, I decided that would never happen again. No matter the circumstance, I would maintain my composure and dignity. I wouldn't give my enemies the pleasure of my fear.
