The Princess Trials (The Princess Trials #1)(117)

Footage of Berta’s parents appears onscreen. Her father trembles with rage, and her mother continues to sob into his chest.

The camera switches to Queen Damascena. “In honor of your daughter, I would like to extend an invitation to her dear friend to stay with us at the palace.”

Nausea swirls in my empty stomach. Berta and I were never friends. The queen knows my secret. She knows I killed Berta. She knows I’ve seen the secret subterranean river. She knows I have information that could end water rationing.

“What is she doing?” Prince Kevon whispers.

With a smile that looks more like the baring of fangs, Queen Damascena raises her head toward the back row, where I sit next to her son.

“Zea-Mays Calico.” Her grin widens. “Please come down and rejoin the Princess Trials.”