Chapter 116

I sat in stunned silence, my mind replaying the events of the night. Riona's pained expression was etched in my memory, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt and regret. I had messed up.

Eros handed me a cup of tea, his expression a mixture of concern and "I told you so." "I can understand it from her standpoint," he said, his voice measured. "I can't blame her for misunderstanding and for the pain and hurt you caused her."

I took the cup from him, feeling a pang of shame. I had thought I could take care of the situation before Riona returned, but it seemed I had underestimated the complexity of the problem.

"You messed up this time, Your Highness. There's no way Riona is going to forgive you for this blunder." He continued, his words rubbing salt into my wounds.

He was right, but I didn't need him to rub it in. "I know, I messed up," I said, my voice laced with frustration. "You don't have to keep telling me."