Esmer looked at the broom closet that was masquerading as a room and balled her fists.
The royal family was going to pay!
They hadn't dared to do this to her, and Theanore didn't see the problem, but Esmer did.
There was a commotion outside, and a chubby woman entered. She saw Theanore and clapped her hands.
"Little Highness, your Prince made you a ball. Come along now! To the park," said the friendly tavern owner, and she offered a hand to Theanore.
Theanore let go of Esmer and ran to the tavern owner.
"A ball? With lots of friends?" Theanore asked excitedly.
"The whole village will be there, Little Highness," the tavern owner said. She looked at Esmer for permission.
Esmer nodded. She had something else to do, anyway.
When the tavern owner took Theanore with her, Esmer went to find Empress Orlena. This felt like it was her plan.
Esmer found her panicking in her son's room!
"You!" the Empress hissed, and she pointed a finger at Esmer. "Did you take my son? Did you?"
