Odi took a deep breath, her body trembling slightly as she stood before King Darius. Her bruises ached, but she willed herself to focus. This was her chance. Perhaps the only chance she would ever get to speak for herself.
"I do only what my master asks of me," she began, her voice steady despite the weight of her words. "I have never had a life of my own. Every choice I make has been decided for me. Every action dictated by Oliver." She glanced briefly at Oliver, whose smirk remained, but there was a flicker of unease in his beady eyes.
She swallowed hard and turned back to Darius. "If it is within your power, Your Majesty, I would be forever grateful if you grant me and Ben our freedom from him."
The room fell silent for a moment. The request hung in the air like a challenge, daring anyone to object. Ben's grip on her arm tightened, as though he feared she would be punished for her boldness.
