Chapter 62
Betrayed by Blood
Avery stood outside the door to the king and queen’s room, her heart racing. Her hands were clammy, and she so badly wanted to leave. The last time she saw them was during the hunt feast. She swallowed hard, with every nerve in her body wanting to turn and run away, but the head maid’s words echoed in her mind. She had no choice. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and raised her hand to knock.
She knocked on the door quietly, the sound echoing in the lone hallway. As she waited for a response, the image of the king hitting the queen made its way to her mind again. Not like she had ever forgotten about that particular incident. The sound of the slap, the queen’s quiet acceptance of it... it all made her stomach churn.
Before she could decide to leave, a faint voice called out from inside.
"Come in."
Avery swallowed hard and pushed the door open. She stepped in, her head lowered, hands folded together. "Your Majes-" she was cut off by the queen’s frantic voice, and she looked up, the sight taking her aback.
The queen stood near the center, her gown pooling around her feet as she reached for the king.
"Please," the queen said softly, her voice trembling. "Can we just talk about this rationally?"
The king yanked his arm away from her, his movement sharp and filled with disdain. His cold eyes flicked to Avery as she stepped inside, and his lip curled in distaste.