There is a serial killer in Castle Krakenburg. And they're plotting to murder the Queen of Nohr.
Prince Leo is in charge of the investigation, but with no evidence and little time, he's struggling to keep his sister safe. He desperately needs help...
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The slam of the doors echoed through the throne room. Queen Kassandra and Leo exchanged a wary look.
The Queen stood up. "My apologies, Grace: Xander has been in a permanent black mood since the murders started. Please don't feel as if your presence in the castle is unwanted. I, for one, am happy to have someone else on board. This matter cuts very close to home and is stressful for us all. Leo, are you going to sort a guest room for her?"
"I have some other business to attend to," Leo said. "I'll track Odin and Niles down and have them arrange something."
"Take Elise with you. She was complaining about how bored she was just before the meeting started."
Princess Elise perked up. "Oh, yes! I can help you unpack and settle in and everything! I have the afternoon off from the medical ward, and I'm lonely because everyone else is busy!"
"Great," Leo said dryly. "Now I have to put up with Elise until I find my retainers."
Queen Kassandra laughed. "I'll leave you to it. Remember to be nice to Elise and Grace, all right?" She gathered up some papers and left the table.
Leo seemed to hesitate, then raised his voice and said awkwardly, "Take care, Kass."
She ignored him, striding out the room.
I frowned. I'd heard the rumours -- everyone had heard the rumours -- that the Queen of Nohr had so much dragon blood in her veins, she could transform into one. Yet King Xander and Leo were so concerned. Surely she was the safest member of the royal family with an ability like that?
Still, I supposed that was what family did. Worry.
Leo stood up. "We should go."
I met him at the end of the table. Princess Elise took her time fluffing up her hair before she joined us.
"Elise," Leo snapped.
The princess pouted. "What? I'm ready." She offered me her arm. "Come on, Grace!"
Leo sighed and turned away, stalking to the throne room doors. Not wanting to upset Princess Elise, I hesitantly linked my arm through hers. She dragged me along at almost the same speed as Leo. This close, I realised that she was older than she'd first looked -- perhaps in the middle of her teenage years.
We entered the dark corridors again, but it seemed that only I felt their spooky atmosphere. It didn't dampen Princess Elise's cheer at all.
"So, you're from Macarath?" she asked as we caught up with Leo. "What's it like? We have a palace there, but whenever I go, I'm never allowed out to explore."
"You'd get yourself into trouble," Leo said.
"No, I wouldn't! Come on, Grace! Tell me what the city centre's like."
I lifted one shoulder in a shrug. "Busy. No matter what time of day or night it is, it's difficult to go more than a few steps without having to swerve around someone. That's mostly due to the gambling halls."
