Elara ran out of the ball in panic, her heart pounding violently against her chest as the music, laughter, and whispers of the nobles faded behind her.
She did not stop until she was far away from the grand hall, until the cold palace air hit her face and she could finally breathe.
Her only thought was to leave.
She turned toward the palace gates, determined to get as far away from the place that had just humiliated her, but before she could reach the exit, several guards stepped in front of her.
"Lady Elara, you cannot leave the palace grounds," one of them said firmly.
"I am leaving," she replied, her voice shaking with anger and fear.
But the guards did not move.
No matter how much she protested, they ignored her words and escorted her back into the palace.
