Chapter 17: Punishment

Returning from my brother's study, I took my time, ignoring any nobles lingering and looking in my direction. The time spent with Alaric lifted my spirits which was like a high in what was quite a bleak existence. The snowfall had calmed, adding to my serenity, the flurries small, disappearing as they land on me.

Any semblance of peace diminished, though, as soon as I stopped by the steps leading down the path to my palace. Two lines cut through the snow like a shallow trench, flanked by staggered bootprints. It was clear someone had been dragged across the ground from my home.

"She has the slave!" For once, Maggie wasn't completely useless as she burst through the doors, aware of my arrival.

Ice shards clawed into my chest and sunk deep into the pit of my stomach at Maggie's words. "Her Majesty, Queen Mother has Theo!"