Quick

When I come back to Alexander's room, I find it empty.

The maids are out. The cradle is void.

Where is my child? And my husband?

I close my eyes and try to stabilise my breathing, thinking about what could happen that brought them all out of here.

Damn it, where is Lavinia?

Has that harpy done something? Right after I talked back to her.

Maybe, I should have shut up. I have a family to think of; my need to offend people can wait...

I get rid of the outer layers of my clothes before leaving the room and walking around helplessly. I stop a maid in the hallway, and she looks at me with utter surprise.

I know... I act like a madwoman.

«Where is my daughter?» I inquire.

«The little Princess?» she murmurs. «His highness is taking a stroll in the gardens, your highness.»

I inhale abruptly. The sun is hidden by the clouds, and it's not too hot. There's not even too much wind.