Elmer steadied her by the arm.
He cast me a single frigid glance.
Evelyn spoke again.
"Everything Andrew just offered is void. All of you still work under Mr. Dickerson Sr. Anyone who tried to sign on with Andrew just now—
"Stay behind. Thirty lashes each."
My eyes went wide.
"Evelyn!"
Even Elmer clearly hadn't expected it.
After a beat of surprise, he turned to me with that trademark sneer of contempt.
"Then I thank the princess for her kindness."
Elmer climbed into the carriage and left.
The men were forced to the ground.
Evelyn's own guards administered the lashes.
Not a shred of mercy.
Within minutes, the entire street echoed with screams.
"Your Highness, have mercy! We'll never work for the prince consort again!"
"Never in this lifetime! Please, mercy!"
"Evelyn!"
I lunged forward, half out of my mind with fury.
A maidservant caught my arm and held me back.
"Your Highness, please don't make things worse for yourself.
"Surely you know. The princess has been in love with your brother since they were children."
The air left my lungs.
I remembered asking her once whether she truly had feelings for me.
That smile she gave. Saying nothing.
In that moment.
I understood.
I understood everything.