"Where were you?" Athos roared, stalking Mircea's every step. Urban and Mircea had separated their paths before Mircea showed up at the back gate of the palace with no guards. The news of the Queen arriving alive in commoner's garments with no visible injuries at the back gate had spread through the palace like a fast wind.
Athos had come running and heaving to her and had since been hounding her with questions about her whereabouts. Mircea was not yet ready to tell the truth.
"I already told you twice, Athos, it does not concern you. I am not going to repeat myself again." Her tone said more than her words. There was no way she was going to admit she was out, spending time with Urban. She stopped right before her study door but did not face him.
