Inside the cage, Pipo gripped the bars with his small claws, his big black eyes looking pitifully at Mirabella. The guards placed the cage in the center of the throne room and stepped behind Lady Senara. Wearing a stern and furious expression, Senara looked directly at the king.
"My Majesty, I demand justice. Someone must be punished for attacking the Earl of Dusthaven," she declared, her tone resolute.
Mirabella's eyes darted to Pipo, who looked utterly pitiful. Unable to bear the sight, she started toward the cage, but the guards behind Senara stepped forward, blocking her path. She frowned, her gaze shifting to the Marchioness.
"My Lady," she began, barely concealing her anger, "Did Pipo offend you in some way?"
To this day, neither she nor her crew had ever caged Pipo. He was like family to her, and seeing him locked up like some wild animal made her heart ache.
