Phaedra heard Tybalt’s response but her eyes flashed around the room, growing increasingly more frantic.

“What if the queen?” She asked again, this time her voice quiet, full of the fear of what she thought she knew he was going to say.

Phaedra’s knees grew weak. She stumbled two steps away from Tybalt before collapsing to her knees. Iliana was taken. Her breath felt short. Nya had been killed in battle. Sigourney had taken his own life. Marjolaine was gods-knew-where…and now the Eldouir had taken Iliana.

“They are a disease.” She whispered, more to herself than to Tybalt but with his enhanced hearing he would easily hear it. She placed a hand on her chest to try to temper her anxious breathing.

“...and if you know what’s good for you, one of you will find me Scout Kane.” Though muffled, Augustus’s last phrase may have been audible through the door before he burst into the throne room with guards in tow. His eyes scanned the room, quickly identifying his wife and the Commander. When he did, he’d stride toward them and reach his arms out to his wife to lift her from her knees with surprising tenderness.

Phaedra saw Augustus as soon as he entered. She once would have felt relief and comfort at the sight of him, but they had long been enemies living under the same roof. His presence broke her moment, and she was already climbing to her feet herself when he reached her, able only to help with the last straightening of her legs to a standing position if he still tried.

“Your majesty.” She greeted, dipping into a curtsy that showed him the respect he was owed. Many things might have been lost between them, but Phaedra was well-groomed and would not deprive him of this. Her eyes turned to Tybalt at his words. They had been unable to prevent the Eldouir from taking her, and now he spoke of retaliation? She was eager to hear what he had in mind.

Augustus dipped his head in return, eyes running over Phaedra once to ensure she was well before he turned his attention to Tybalt. “All nobles should be evacuated to their estates, with the exception of Her Majesty’s cabinet. I want every soldier and guard in Loren to have a collar on their belt and at the ready—have your men distribute them straight away. Also…” Augusts grimaced.

“Bring me Remiel Allemeade for questioning. His sister was among them—if he knows anything that may be useful…” Or if he was a traitor as well. They would need to know that too.

Phaedra was no longer in her element. Giving orders when Augustus was about was pointless. Besides, he knew how to handle this situation far better than she did. She clasped her hands together and silently prayed. To who? To what? She was not so organized only dull of conviction to have a religious practice, but she prayed a prayer of deliverance for her niece.

[ Don’t let her replies hold this up! ]