Sioni’s father rushed outside only a few moments after the queen and Alfred had hurried past him. The prince lifted the bandages from his eyes, and Sioni smiled. George sank to his knees at the sight of a young girl lifeless on the ground nearby. “What… what on earth has happened here?”

Across the lawn, Ridda emerged from a doorway, her son Joseph in tow. “Sioni, Alfred!” she called, pausing only a few feet away. “Oh, God in Heaven…” She lifted her skirts and ran toward the happy couple. She moved quickly around them, kneeling at Helen’s side. “Arelia, oh, Arelia!” She turned to Eva, “What have you done, now?” her voice was wracked with pain.

Eva’s eyes widened, “Ridda? What are you doing-”

“Your utter disregard for those around you makes me sick, Eva.” Ridda spat, her eyes lowered. “She made a bargain with you, didn’t she?” Eva froze, unable to nod. “If you struck a deal with her, you must honor it.” Ridda pulled the knife from Helen’s back.

“N-no.” Eva stammered in terror.

“Liar.”