Anna left her room and met with the guards.
With them was the king and two councilors Anna recognized as Valor and Sparrow.
The moment they spotted her, they all took steps backward. That was because of the cloud of wispy purple spores floating around Anna.
Her posture and facial expression was spotless. No one could guess what she was secretly thinking, and she liked it that way. Seeing the fear rush to their faces gave her a high better than seeing her strawberries bloom.
"Yes?" She spoke, pushing fallen strands of hair over her shoulders. She looked at the king first, a honeyed smile on her lips. "Father, why ever do I owe this visit?"
The king swallowed, clearing his throat. He didn't want to show his worry and fear, lest everyone think he couldn't even control his daughter.
