Chapter 56 Aria

• "Tell me, how’s it been working at the palace?" Nicole asks over the phone while I’m loading the kids’ laundry into the washing machine.
• The sigh I let out is deep, almost as if I’m unearthing a hidden burden, before finally replying.
• "Oh, girl, the queen hates me! Tomorrow is her birthday party, which I organized. If it’s not absolutely perfect, I’m pretty sure Queen Seraphina will have me thrown in the dungeon," I explain, trying to lighten the tension with a bit of humor, but the weight of the situation is evident in my tone.