Sioni’s fingers parted slightly, and her eyes widened. “My aunt?” She mumbled into her palms. Her father turned away, cursing, and her mother began crying hysterically. Alfred put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him.

“Don’t worry, Sioni, everything’s going to be alright.” he whispered, stroking her hair. She stared earnestly into his brilliant eyes, letting her hands fall to her sides. He looked up, “Everyone stop. Stop your noise, and your anger right now!” he turned to his mother, who called for the royal guard. “If you don’t calm down, you’ll be taken to separate cells in the dungeon. Can’t you see how you’re hurting her?”

Ridda nodded, and George and Eva fell silent. “I’m sorry, Sioni.” Ridda said calmly, “I never meant to lie to you, or mislead you in any way. Your parents are good people, but they’ve done too much wrong for me to stay here.” She whistled, and Joseph rounded the corner, leading two horses. “Your parents will explain, I’m sure.”

Sioni couldn’t watch them leave.