Betrayed by Blood
Avery stood outside the door to the king and queen's room, her heart racing. Her hands were clammy, and she so badly wanted to leave. The last time she saw them was during the hunt feast. She swallowed hard, with every nerve in her body wanting to turn and run away, but the head maid's words echoed in her mind. She had no choice. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and raised her hand to knock.
She knocked on the door quietly, the sound echoing in the lone hallway. As she waited for a response, the image of the king hitting the queen made its way to her mind again. Not like she had ever forgotten about that particular incident. The sound of the slap, the queen's quiet acceptance of it… it all made her stomach churn.
Before she could decide to leave, a faint voice called out from inside.
"Come in."
