Are you Okay?

The return from the council meeting was quiet. Rafe didn't say a word to Arabelle, and she kept her eyes on the scenery outside, unsure of what to say. Her thoughts felt heavy, and she didn't know how to start a conversation.

She had misunderstood him earlier about how he'd said he was ashamed of her, and now that she realized it, she felt awful. She cast a glance at his reflection and sighed.

On top of that, she was grateful to him for standing by her side. He'd defended her in front of everyone and he'd defended her in front of the council of ministers. In fact, he'd even found a way to punish them, even though they'd only spoken the truth.

But guilt weighed her down. She felt bad for doubting him and now, due to all his support, even worse for hiding things from him. And then to add to her guilt, a part of her couldn't help but wonder if he had stood by her only to protect his own reputation.