#Chapter 9: More Royal Punishment

Cathy

“Stay home, Theo. I will be back soon.”

I stepped out of the cottage and allowed for Aldrich’s guards to escort me to the palace, hoping my son would not protest.

“Okay, mommy,” he responded obediently behind me before I shut the door, shooting him one last meaningful look. I hoped it was strict enough to make him stay put.

As the guards led us from the forest to the castle, I contemplated why I had been sent for. It was not by Aldrich—it was by the Queen herself. I had never met my supposed-to-be mother-in-law. Perhaps she wanted my account of the assassins, or how I healed her son. Anxiety shot through me at that, knowing I’d have to concoct some elaborate lie to hide my bloodline. My mind wandered to the worst theory—that maybe she thought it was I who helped injure him, for he did lay wounded on the ground outside of my cottage. That image contributed to my former accusation of drugging her son would not make her a warm host.

I sucked in a breath, remaining calm despite thin