The double doors of the royal courtroom swung open, echoing softly through the corridor as Queen Maye stepped out. A deep frown carved itself into her face, her jaw tight with barely restrained fury.
"Arrogant boy," she muttered under her breath, her voice low and venomous. "Why couldn't he have died in one of the wars?"
Her steps were sharp and purposeful as she moved down the hall, the heavy skirts of her gown whispering against the stone floor. She did not look back. She did not notice Leonard as he emerged moments later from the same doors, nor did she sense his presence as he followed at a measured distance, his footsteps careful, deliberate, and silent.
He trailed her through every turn she took, down corridors bathed in dim light and shadow, watching her with an intensity that never wavered.
