HURT AND BETRAYAL

Lightning flashed across the sky illuminating the room as I stood still staring at the cots in shock.

They were missing! My children were missing! With shaky breaths, I staggered backwards and then ran out of the room. I stumbled against servants as I raced down the hall. Some of them stopped to ask me what was wrong but I didn't stop or bothered to answer them

My heart raced with fear as I flew up the stairs, down the hall to where Dahlia's room was. I didn't bother to knock, instead I pushed it open only to meet Dahlia dressed in a red night gown and red robe. She must be ready for bed then.

"Don't you know it's courtesy to knock when entering the queen dowager's chambers?" Dahlia asked in a haughty tone but that was the least of my worries.

"Cyril…" I breathed out heavily. "Caeden…"

Dahlia frowned at me. "You feeling okay Arianne?"

I swallowed before I could speak again. "The twins…"