"It was–" The palace maid's words died in her throat as a needle silently pierced the back of her neck. She crumpled to the floor, lifeless.
Sullivan's gaze flicked up, his eyes narrowing as the maid's body collapsed. The other servants froze, terror etched on their faces at the sight of sudden death.
Sullivan's jaw clenched. He knew exactly who was responsible for this. Queen Verlina, despite his previous warnings. A cold chuckle escaped his lips as he turned to face the soldiers led by Commander Harris.
"Did His Highness–"
"No," Sullivan interrupted, his voice firm. "Someone else killed her," he added, pointing to the needle lodged in the maid's neck.
Commander Harris furrowed his brow, noticing how the maid's hand was still clutched around the knife she had been using. "Prince Sullivan, violence like this... You should not take justice into your own hands," Harris said, his gaze heavy with disappointment.
