Monster On The Loose I

"Your Majesty!"

Daphne had only taken the first couple of bites of her food when a guard burst into the infirmary, his shoulders rising and falling rapidly as he panted for air. His face was as pale as a sheet, his fingers trembling as he held the door open.

"What?" Atticus snapped, glaring at the man. "Didn't I mention that we are not to be disturbed?"

"This is an emergency!" The guard quailed at the angry look in Atticus's eyes, but he continued, "It's the Duchess. She… She…"

"Come on, spit it out," Atticus barked in annoyance. "What's got you in such a panic?"

"Duchess Hazelle is dead!" 

A stunned silence met his pronouncement. Sirona, Jonah, and Nathaniel immediately stopped bickering among themselves, their mouths falling open when they registered the words.

"What did you mean by that? How would you even know this?" Atticus asked suspiciously.