#Chapter 199: Standing In Shadow

Without even turning, I can feel Caleb’s presence coming toward us. As I did, the people standing nearby all turn to look behind me. Kira herself starts to pale, though she keeps her head high and defiant. “Mother, you have overstepped for the last time,” Caleb begins to say. I glance back at Caleb, hoping to convey my hope that he will let me handle this situation, as he had let the commoners deal with the nobles of the court. Similarly to how the commoners needed to stand up for themselves to gain other’s respect, I too want to stand on my own two legs. Kira has spoken down to me from the start. I couldn’t allow her, or anyone else, to speak to me that way. I wasn’t a slave any longer. I have my own voice. It’s past time I use it to defend myself from people like her. And in doing so, maybe I could help defend others too. Caleb must see the message I am trying to convey because after looking at me for a moment longer, he subtly nods his head. With his support, I return my