Belladonna's breath caught in her throat and Alaris seemed to have gone still above her - he had definitely noticed too. By now, he must know that the woman had seen them.
The steps of another person approaching into the room made the woman look away, and Alaris used that moment to move them deeper into their hiding place.
If the meddling stranger should try to investigate the situation, he would have to kill her. The thought delighted his dragon but that was an unwise mess he didn't plan to leave. It would be better if his thirst for hearts and blood would reign free another worthy day.
“It is time for the speech, mother.” A feminine voice said, it most likely belonged to the person who had just stepped in. “You are crying again.”
The soft ruffling sound of dresses and chains filled the air for a moment.
Belladonna frowned.
What were they doing?
She was crying again. “I’m alright, my dear. You go before me.”
“Mother?”
“I will be right behind you, I promise.”
