Bab 167: Visions and dreams (2)

She froze in her step, not having expected anyone to be up and on this side of the castle. From the sounds of it, she was being waited for. She would have hoped it was her mother waiting for her but that would be asking for too much. She already knew she was out of luck and she would recognize that unfriendly, stern voice anywhere. 

She turned around to face the enraged queen. "I went for a walk, your majesty." 

Queen Loretta looked her up and down, taking in her clothes. Her nose scrunched up in disgust. "I don't want you walking around the kingdom looking like that. You should be acting like a princess." 

Marlena knew the queen was displeased but that didn't tame down her urge to infuriate her some more. "I didn't know I was your slave, Queen Loretta."