Out From the Shadows

Chapter 22

She is nowhere.

I've checked the nearby woods for an hour at least and the shack doesn't supply excellent hiding spaces.

Could someone have taken her?

Her stuff still lies where it was left and nothing is astray, so there wasn't a brawl or kidnapping in here. Maybe she ran away.

I dart outside and look around. My house is off to my left, but the Queen's palace is to my right.

If she ran away to get as far from me as possible, she wouldn't run to my house, though if she wanted to get caught, she could go to either place. That means the palace for both accounts.

My valise is already packed and I head out to the palace.
******

I walk up the marble stairs and guards look at my confusingly. I must look like a wreck to attract this kind of attention and breaking formation is usually punishable.

My feet haven't crossed the threshold before they finally stop me with their bodies.

"What business do you have?" The guard on the left asks.

"I need to speak with the Queen."

Looks are exchanges between the guards and they don't seem to be in my favor.

"Is she expecting you?"

"No."

"Then make an appointment and come back later." The right most guard says.

I don't contemplate the words that come out of my mouth next; I'm too angry.

"I have information about Almarie Winters!"

Everyone in the vicinity take a long look at me. The guards look at me like a prize and haul me into the castle.

******

"Where is she!" The Queen snarls in me face; the guards holding my shoulders against the sofa. More guards are lined up along the perimeter of the room, more than is necessary.

"If you let me speak then I can get to that part!" I retort. Her eye twitches and deep wrinkles have started to form around her mouth from all the frowning. Just as I thought that she might punish me for speaking so impolitely, she backs off and sits in a sofa across from me.

"I have been busy... tracking her down. I found her but she escaped to who knows where, but my best guess is somewhere familiar. Maybe my estate or the town she grew up in." I say without feeling or revealing the energy it takes to not shove the guards off him and tackle Her Majesty.

Camille rests her head on her palm and stares at me with a thinking face that could be seen as a look of discomfort.

" Your intel doesn't help me very much. I have already searched her town and her home has been ransacked. Her parents won't give up her location so I have dedicated tomorrow as their execution date," Camille responds wistfully while still running something through her mind.

My heart picks up a fast beat. It's a trap. Camille is trying to lure Almarie to come save her parents, though even then they will be executed.

"Then I apologize for the interruption and will be on my way," I say, standing up with out dismissal and heading to the doors.

"Hold," Camille says softly. I turn around and find her smiling at me. The sort of smile that curdles milk.

"You may still be quite useful."