Chapter 10

• Dwelling on things I couldn’t change wasn’t going to help. I repeated the thought like a mantra, willing it to solidify in my mind. Breathe. Stay calm. Act natural.
• I turned away from the bookshelves, scanning the room for a waste bin. It wasn’t immediately visible, but I felt the King’s eyes on me. My body stiffened, but I forced myself to appear unaware of his attention and resumed my search.
• When I finally spotted the bin, my stomach sank. It was positioned right next to his chair, mere inches from where he sat. His imposing presence made the air feel heavy, each step toward him like wading through molasses.