Chapter 118

I stared at Riona, dumbfounded. How could she do this to me? "You were the one who instigated treason," I accused, my voice trembling with shock and betrayal.

Her gaze met mine, unwavering. "Yes, I was the one who instigated it," she admitted, her voice steady. "I did it for the greater good."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that she, the woman I loved, had been behind the treason. I took a deep breath, trying to process my emotions, and gently wrapped the bandage around her hand.

"But why?" I asked, my voice laced with pain and confusion. "Why would you instigate treason of all things?"

Her expression was somber, "The truth is, I was planning to frame only the Lucianos," she explained. "I didn't realize the empress would get involved in it. I thought if they fell into my trap, it would be easier for me to kill them."