The candles in Anastasia's chamber burned low, their wax pooling at the bases like melted ivory. She sat by the window, her figure framed against the night beyond, pale moonlight resting upon her features. Anastasia was lost in thought about her marriage to Ernest the following day. She did not turn when the door opened softly and Miss Magdalene slipped inside.
Magdalene knelt at once, bowing her head. "My lady… we have failed. The rider just brought back words.''
Anastasia turned, she had not expected something this simply to become so difficult. "Was our rider discovered?" Anastasia asked.
"Yes, he did not dare to come over so he sent the message bird. I have instructed him to leave the royal city this very night," Magdalene reported.
