The Grand Hall - Walter

The hall is huge. Filled with vases of flowers, golden chandeliers and a mahogany table that stretches all the way down the hall. Being here makes my heart yearn for my parents. For the way they used to let me sit on their thrones whilst they spoke, for the way they made me giggle if I was sad and for the way Agnes used to teach me proper etiquette whilst my mother tried to make impressions of her behind. Nothing brought me more joy than what we got up to in this hall. And now I sit on that very throne my dad once sat on with pain in my heart and tears glossing over my eyes. I feel the touch of Riana's hand on mine and Agnes gaze set on me.

Although I don't know Riana well, she reminds me of my childhood friend, Nina. And although Nina may have betrayed me, I ache for her to hold my hand one more time and for her to laugh her sweet laugh once more. Although I never said it, I loved her so much. And now she, my mother and my father have all left me behind. Carved a hole so deep into my heart that blood pours out in gallons. I feel a burning at the back of my throat as Mara, the new head advisor stands up. I sit upon the golden throne, brushing my hand over it very small and intricate details, trying to push my memories away.

"Six new staff members missing, all of who attempted your highnesses kidnap before disappearing. We had Maura Murphy, Cleo Sanders and Sarah Latvina disappear several nights ago, Peter Roberts ran away on Thursday, Christopher Wang disappeared this weekend and Aurelia was murdered right before questioning which was an hour later." Her voice is mostly calm but I can tell that somethings wrong. I knew her and Aurelia were close and I long to make her feel better, for I know the burden of that pain.

Riana stand ups next, "The following have all gone missing, however I have received intel that some have been sighted throughout the kingdom. The girl Aurelia's death was indeed tragic although she is, at present, a mere casualty to a larger enemy. I fear our kingdom is under attack, and all I can say is that this land is being torn apart from the inside." She sits down, leaving the room in silence. I look to Agnes. She looks like she is being torn from the inside, the urge to speak choking her to death. I nod to her and she breathes in heavily.

"I, Agnes, Princess of Rome, request your attention. These occurrences all seem to happen in a pattern. You see, they started on Tuesday, the next day was Thursday, another on Saturday and finally, a murder on Monday. Each event happens every second day. So the next time they will strike is tomorrow, and if they're anything about dramatic effect, it'll be at midnight."

And so I heave in one more massive breath, stand up, and help Agnes and Riana to construct a plan, a plan that may just kill me and half my personal staff.