Chapter 76

All heads in the room swiveled around to stare at her. 

Her parents sat on their thrones, the seven members of her father's council sitting at a table facing them.

Isla swallowed nervously, suddenly feeling like a small child again, but regained her composure.

  She lifted her chin and continued into the room, keeping her eye on her parents. 

They looked tired, simply exhausted, especially her father.

The lines in his face were deeper than she remembered and guilt washed over her.

  She knew that his current state was her fault.

Everyone in the room remained silent until her mother rose from her seat. 

Her purple gown fell around her elegantly, her golden crown shining in her dark auburn hair.

  Her mother's hazel eyes were wide in awe and glistened with tears.

"Isla?" she whispered.

  Isla paused, trying to swallow the lump in her throat.