Ruby Red

Chapter Fifteen

Once people were cleared to leave, the ballroom emptied quickly. The guards rushed outside to examine the perimeter, but by then, it was too late. Indigo, Alana, and the Scepter were long gone.

When Harsha had opened the door to reveal Victor, Fallon, and Lévian, Queen Marjorie immediately rushed to her daughter's side. Lévian's face had gone pale from the blood loss and the queen had called for a doctor at once. There wasn't a second that passed where she didn't have a hand touching one of the children.

Victor had offered to stay in the room beside Lévian's that night to make sure she was comfortable while she was sleeping. Marjorie had insisted it would be her, but he wouldn't have it. Once all of the young royals were situated for the night, Queen Marjorie and Lady Leela were left alone with Fallon.

The queen massaged her temples with her fingertips before sighing and looking up at Fallon. With a soft smile, she nodded and said, "Thank you, General Morrigan, for all of your help this evening. I'm so glad Lévian has someone like you in her life." She looked around for a moment, then frowned. "Where's General Griffin?"

Lady Leela came up behind the queen and rested her soft hands on her forearms. "Tomorrow, Marjorie." Queen Marjorie looked between her and Fallon, then followed her lady-in-waiting back to her bedroom.

The next morning, Marjorie got up earlier than usual to check on Lévian. Her injury had been bandaged and she had slept through the night well. The doctor said that she would update her with any change, and Marjorie went back into her bedroom to finish getting ready.

When she arrived, Lady Leela was already standing in the center of her bedroom. "Marjorie." The queen didn't respond; she only snatched her pearl jewelry off of her vanity and focused on the task at hand. Leela stepped up behind her. "You're stressed."

Marjorie fussed with an earring, then turned to face her. "I'm the queen. I'm always stressed."

Leela grabbed one of the queen's hands between her own. "Last night was terrifying. It was for me, and I know it was for you, too. I was also there the last time Indigo broke into the palace. You need to take a day, Marjorie. I know you do. As your lady and your best friend, I'm trying to look out for you."

"I don't have time. The Vault ceremony is in three days and the Scepter is missing."

"The entire guard is searching for the Scepter. There's no need to worry—"

"Yes, there is!" Marjorie exclaimed, spinning sharply to face Lady Leela. "This can't go wrong. We have to fix this as soon as possible." She took a second to close her eyes and take a deep breath. The queen took her lady's hands and held them up to her chest. "I'm sorry, Leela. It's just... people expect me to do as Calum did. I may not have entirely agreed with what he's done, but I cannot let my family's reputation suffer. I have to make this right, or else they won't trust me with the Vault again."

Lady Leela touched Marjorie's cheek. "Frankly, you're a better ruler now than he ever was," she said, a smile creeping onto her face. Marjorie giggled. "I understand, though. I'll be right by your side, as always. We'll find it."

Marjorie placed her hand on top of Leela's for a moment, then stepped aside. Now with a mission, she stormed through the halls of the castle at a determined pace. Her heels clicked on the hard floors as she approached the guard's training room.

She pushed the door open and Leela held it for her as she paused in the doorframe. Whispers spread around the room until every eye was on the queen. The guards all bowed and waited for Queen Marjorie to speak. "I need to see General Griffin and General Morrigan immediately."

All of the heads turned to the back of the room. Fallon and Karis exchanged a tense glance, then set down their training equipment and came up to the front of the room. Queen Marjorie turned on her heel and walked away toward one of the more private lounges in the castle, the others following close behind.