Eliora raised her chin with authority and faced the guards standing by the door.
"Escort the Queen Mother out." She commanded, her voice ringing clear.
Huldah's mouth dropped open in shock. "You dare–"
The guards didn't hesitate this time. They bowed their heads to Eliora before facing Huldah.
"This is outrageous! Take your hands off me!" The dowager screamed, thrashing as they took her by the arms and turned her towards the door.
She glared at Eliora over her shoulder. "You will pay for this, you little monster! My son will wake up and cast you out!"
The doors clicked shut, cutting off her angry screams.
Eliora stood frozen in the middle of the floor, her chest heaving with every breath. The adrenaline that had kept her standing tall began to fade away.
Clara and Tess stayed quiet, still too shocked to move.
