Two days passed before the rumors began to turn against Queen Elizabeth. At first, they had been directed at Anastasia, but soon, on every tongue, people spoke only of the king's vicious heart.
Mary sent word of her findings to the king. Initially, she intended to visit him and discuss possible solutions. However, when she remembered that the situation had escalated precisely because he refused to heed her advice, she decided to send only a message.
That morning, when King Edward received his mother's report, he found it infuriating to read.
His jaw tightened.
Two sisters, bound by blood, had used the royal family as though it were a stage for their private war.
Playing house, he thought coldly. With my crown.
