The abandoned textile mill was a fortress of silence until the heavy iron doors groaned open.
Valentine stumbled in first, his breath ragged. He was carrying Felicity, who was still unconscious and wrapped in his cloak.
"Clear the table!" Valentine shouted, his knightly composure fraying. "She's under a spell. I had to knock her out."
Thomas and Rosalie immediately cleared a space on the large workbench. Valentine laid Felicity down gently.
Before anyone could ask a question, the back entrance to the mill rattled.
Prince Stefan kicked the door open. He was supporting a heavy, stumbling figure wrapped in a nondescript woolen blanket.
Stefan pulled the blanket back, revealing the face of Emperor Solanus.
The room went dead silent.
Jean Alef nearly dropped his staff. "Your Imperial Majesty?"
"We need water," Stefan rasped, guiding his father to a chair. "And a secure perimeter. The palace is compromised. Cassian has plans to take the throne."
