The sun was barely above the horizon when Malrik led Nova and Anna to the royal hunting grounds.
The forest ahead was quiet, dense, and ominous.
A sharp contrast to the open space behind them where Queen Eleysa and the rest of her court had already gathered—draped in silks, armored in pride.
Anna noticed it immediately—the startled glances. The hushed whispers. Every noble face twisted slightly upon seeing her. She recognized the look.
It was the same one people gave graves that had been dug too early.
So they knew.
She kept her expression calm, her gaze low, but her fingers curled into fists. Whoever had sent those intruders last night must be in this crowd. Watching. Waiting. Probably amused.
Queen Eleysa stood slowly from her throne-like seat, her sheer dress catching in the wind like smoke.
Her eyes fell on Anna, cold and glittering with disdain.
"And what is the meaning of this extra burden?"
The queen asked, voice sharp and amused.
