"What do you mean, castle?" I practically yelled.
Both my parents froze and turned to face me. The butler, who had been clearing the plates, went rigid—like he was debating whether it was too late to flee the room.
He witnessed people taken to be killed why wouldn't he be scared it will be his turn next.
They had already moved the unloyal servants away, to a place I'm sure they would suffer till they wished to die but death wouldn't come.
That's what they get for betraying the Valemont Duchy.
"Castle?" my father repeated slowly, setting his wine glass down with deliberate calm. His sharp eyes narrowed. "Seraphina, what are you talking about?"
I blinked, realizing what I'd just said out loud. "I—uh—yes. The castle." A nervous laugh slipped out. "I mean... what castle?"
[Oh, this is going to be good,] Nero said in my mind, his voice dripping with amusement.
Nero, I hissed inwardly, forcing a polite smile as both my parents looked at me expectantly.
