Ashen was making his way back toward the chambers with Lumina when the hurried sound of footsteps pulled him from his thoughts.
Ero came rushing through the hall, his chest heaving as if he had been running all the way from the lower levels.
"My lord…" he called, trying to steady his breath. Lumina, walking beside Ashen with her hand looped gently around his arm, stiffened at the worry coming from Ero.
Ashen's eyes narrowed. "What is the matter?"
Ero bowed quickly, his voice lowering.
"It is Lady Freya… the Queen has sent her decree. She intends to release her, claiming she is her governess and lady-in-waiting. The guards are already preparing to.."
Ero didn't finish before Ashen turned toward the dungeon. He didn't need him to complete his work. His jaw tightened, and in the next heartbeat, his long strides carried him down the corridor.
Lumina clung closer to him, her fingers tightening against his chest as if to anchor herself.
