Chapter 132: A Private Talk with Aunt Sally

Irina POV

She clung to the dress like a shield. Ridiculous, really. Was she not a Queen of Merak now? Yes, she was.

Sally Nelson's eyes, though, made her wary. She'd underestimated the woman before, too often. No more. 

"Of course, Sally Nelson," she said. "Princess Sally. What do you wish to say?"

"Oh, a lot of things." The woman wasn't backing down.

Ariana spoke up. "Aunt--"

"No, Ariana. Let me have my say," Sally said in a firm voice. 

This was going to be even tougher than she thought. Well, she could handle it. Irina laid the dress on the bed she would share tonight with Dimitri and Ariana. She looked away from the bed, not wanting any comment from Sally. "Say what you have to say."

"Thank you." Sally gathered her thought, her usually calm and gentle face set in a determined look. "Ariana and Dimitri have chosen their path. They've chosen you. I can't say I'm thrilled about that given what you put us through."