A pile of ash

"Me," 

From behind them, the Queen appeared herself and Claudia's taut posture shifted into a bow of courtesy. She wasn't expecting her to appear at her chamber out of nowhere. 

"I appointed them for your protection. We have felt like someone is trying to harm our daughter-in-law." The Queen stated, her hands elegantly folded before her. 

"Harm me?" Claudia's eyebrows pulled together as she searched the woman's face for any kind of clue about what she was saying. "But who could harm me? I don't even know anyone here."

"Wouldn't you call us in?" Instead of getting bothered by Claudia's question, she asked. 

"Oh...why not." Claudia smiled formally and gestured towards the sitting area with her hand. "Please,"