Tonia's POV
I wiped my nose with the back of my hand, tucking loose strands of hair behind my ears. My face felt hot and swollen from crying.
A servant approached me with a steaming cup of chamomile tea, the delicate porcelain trembling slightly in her hands.
"Thank you," I whispered, accepting the warm cup gratefully.
Father approached with measured steps, his expression heavy with concern. "Your room has been prepared."
I managed a small nod, letting the tea's warmth spread through my chest.
"Would you like to tell me what happened? How long do you plan to stay?"
His worry had been evident from the moment I'd arrived at his doorstep, tears streaming down my face. But I couldn't force myself to repeat the vicious words Kermit had thrown at me like daggers.
"I'm okay," I sniffled, though we both knew it was a lie. "I don't know how long I'll need to be here. Right now, I just want to rest."
"Does Kermit know where you are?"
