The doors opened and a gust of wind blew out the fire that was burning in the fireplace.
A menservant entered, stumbling, pale and breathless.
"Your Majesty. General Theron has gone with Lady Violet."
Queen Arabella rose slowly from her gilded throne-like chair. The folds of her dark purple velvet gown whispered against the cold stone floor as she advanced. Her eyes, sharp as cut glass, narrowed until they became slits of pure fury.
"Gone where?" Her voice was calm.
The menservant swallowed. "They've crossed the borders together. The sentries said they rode at dawn, fast and light with no guard, no escort and no permission."
Silence followed.
Then the wine glass in Arabella's hand shattered against the marble wall.
"She ran away with Theron? That insolent, oath-breaking general?" Arabella's voice echoed across the room like a thunderclap.
The menservant dared not speak.
