Leo walked up to the Carrowmore royals. “King Tristan, I suggest sending word to your kingdom about what’s happened.Your eldest daughter may also be more comfortable back inside.” He gestured to Hannah shaking in her father’s arms.
King Tristan nodded, tearing his eyes away from King Gerard’s body. His words were automatic as he kept his emotions in check. “Please let me know how the Kingdom of Carrowmore may be of assistance to you.”
“Thank you,” Leo said shortly.
King Tristan guided Hannah into the palace just as Queen Camille came running outside. A splash of blood across her neck stained the top of her nightgown, but she didn’t appear to have any injuries of her own.
Was she asleep beside the king when he was murdered? Why didn’t she wake up? Did someone drug her? Or maybe someone with Auditory magic shielded all the noise? No, surely there would’ve been enough movement on the bed to wake her. But whose magic could do that? And why?
At the sight of her husband’s body, the queen let out a scream that was pure agony turned into sound.
Leo didn’t glance at his mother. It was easy to assume that would have broken him entirely.
“Simon,” Leo said, getting a nearby guard’s attention.
“Sir?” the guard responded.
“Take the queen inside. Put her in one of the guest rooms. Station guards outside the door, then find a Healer to give her a calming potion.” Leo gave the orders without any emotion in his voice.
“Yes, sir,” Simon agreed.
Queen Camille continued screaming through her tears. At Simon’s direction, two other guards each took her by an arm and gently pulled the queen back into the palace.
Leo’s eyes were wide, but he kept blinking, like his mind was arguing with his vision.
Blink.
This is a dream.
Blink.
No, it’s not.
Blink.
No, gods, this isn’t real.
Blink.
It is. He’s dead.
Blink.
I have to wake up.
Blink.
You are awake.
Blink.
No!
Blink.
Finally, Leo went to Evelyn. He reached for her, then thought better of it and dropped his hand. “I know you’re angry with me?—”
“It’s okay,” she interrupted, shaking her head. “Please don’t think about that right now. What can I do?”
