Allegra’s heart sank at this additional proof of the council’s corruption. Their greed extended even into the sanctity of the old forest.
She stared at the desecration, a fierce growl rumbling through her chest. The birds ceased singing, emphasizing the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.
Allegra’s head snapped up, a warning prickling her neck. The fur down her back stood on end. She listened intently while she surveyed the vicinity, searching for the source while every sense screamed of imminent danger.
A sharp crack pierced the hush of the forest, and she flinched as a piece of bark flew off the tree trunk next to her. The muffled phut made her jump. Instantly, she crouched, making herself small, her light brown fur blending with the undergrowth.
Gun.
Her muscles trembled, her entire body tensing. A second shot hit a nearby tree. Allegra didn’t hesitate. Someone was shooting at her. It was time to beat a hasty retreat.
Back at the chateau, Allegra skipped taking a shower. On top of discovering corruption within the council, the alarm bells were deafening. Someone had shot at her.
She grabbed a backpack from her wardrobe and began to pack. She added two changes of clothes, toiletries, a few personal items, her phone, passport, and wallet. At the last moment, she threw in the box with the lucky runes her older brother had given her as a secret present. Her throat tightened at the thought of her brother. He’d promised to explain the origins of the runes when she was older. That wouldn’t happen now.
During her furious run from the forest back to the chateau, she’d reached a conclusion. Her people would suffer if she died, so she needed to step away briefly and make plans.
Allegra snatched up her daypack and slung it over one shoulder. She could catch a late flight to Rome and, from there, a flight to Sydney despite the late hour. If anyone tried to track her, it would take them time. She’d further muddy her trail if she paid for the fare with her private funds instead of her official credit card. At least, she hoped that would happen. She hated to take trouble with her but couldn’t think of another location the council wouldn’t quickly discover.
Her friend had lived in Scotland but had moved to Middlemarch in New Zealand last year. Esther’s blunt nature allowed her to point out Allegra’s mistakes and clarify whether Allegra imagined skullduggery where there was none.
She hurried down the curving marble staircase from the second floor to the main entrance, her right hand tracing the ornate banister and the intricate designs of wolves and other mythical creatures. She needed to act normally, despite the urge for a furtive exit.
The scent of freshly cut flowers wafted to her, the cream blooms arranged in crystal vases placed strategically around the main foyer. The rays of the setting sun pierced the stained-glass windows, casting a rainbow of colors across the marble surfaces.
As she neared the ground floor, the faint murmur of voices told her dinner preparations were underway. The formal dining room meals were strained because of her push-back at meetings. Her mouth twisted. These dinners were a recent development, as were the council members moving into the chateau and treating it like their home.
“Ah, Allegra. Just in time for drinks.” Gabriel appeared at the doorway of a formal lounge. He wore a dark suit, his gray tie arranged with precision. It contrasted nicely with his mane of silver hair.
Maria appeared beside Gabriel, dressed in a form-fitting red dress. Her dark brows arched in puzzlement. “Allegra, where are you going? Dinner is almost ready. We have roast beef.”
“I told the housekeeper earlier. I’ve made plans to meet Janet for dinner,” Allegra said.
“Is everything okay?” Gabriel asked, narrowing his eyes. His black brows highlighted the intensity of his gaze.
Allegra’s heart raced, and her hand tightened on her bag. Losing her temper again would achieve nothing. “Yes, everything’s fine,” she lied, praying they wouldn’t press her further.
“Please inform one of us in future,” Maria said, her voice strident. “Sometimes, we have guests who are important to the kingdom. They like to meet the family.”
What was she? A performing pony?
“Of course.” Allegra breathed a sigh of relief when they waved her off, and she hustled outside to the garage, where she kept her car. Every step felt like it took too long, every breath too shallow. She had to retreat before someone else tried to stop her.
“Good evening, Princess Allegra,” a man said.
Allegra jumped, her heart leaping halfway up her throat. She pressed her hand to her chest, the thud-thud-thud hard against her fingers as she whirled to face him.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” His expression held contrition.
“No apology necessary. My thoughts were elsewhere.”
The man nodded respectfully. “Were you taking out the car?”
“Yes.” Allegra’s pulse raced, and she was confident he would hear and wonder at her anxiety, but thankfully, he didn’t comment.
“I’ll back it out for you,” he said, polite and straightforward.
Five minutes later, she was on her way. Allegra clenched the wheel as she drove along the winding chateau road and constantly checked her mirror. But no one followed her.
