The next day, the morning sun pierced through the thin curtain, dancing among the dust motes floating in the Crown Princess-to-be's room. A gentle scent of chamomile filled the space, calming, but for Althea, it felt exactly like the calm before the storm.
She had forgotten one important thing: besides Caspian, there was another danger threatening this palace. An unexpected danger... and it arrived sooner than she had anticipated.
A soft knock on the door broke the silence. A neatly uniformed servant bowed.
"Your Highness, the Empress requests your presence for tea."
A faint smile touched Althea's face. Of course. An invitation like that was never as simple as it sounded. Her gaze met Morfida, who stood in the corner of the room. A small nod was enough as a warning.
Be careful, Milady.
"Very well," Althea said sweetly. "Tell Her Majesty I will be there shortly."
***
The Empress's tea room had a deceptive beauty.
