Barbara entered the palace with a sense of mounting urgency, her mind racing with the information she needed to deliver. The air was thick with the scent of freshly cut flowers and polished wood, but Barbara could barely notice. Her focus was entirely on the task ahead.
The sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow across the marble floors. Barbara was led to a private sitting room where Kristie awaited her. Kristie's expression was one of barely contained frustration, nearly blowing off.
"What happened?" Barbara asked sharply, her gaze fixed on Kristie, who sent her a look that suggested a debt of hundreds of golden coins.
