Chapter 9

Layla and I made our way out of the chamber and walked down the corridor to the left. People stared at Layla as we passed, so she moved closer to me, but she still stood out with her pale skin and dark black hair. I knew it was better to present the case to the king immediately when he arrived rather than keep it until later.

I saw one of the king's personal guards relieved of his duty for the day as he made a beeline for the kitchen. He stopped when he saw us and bowed.

“Hello, Lady Annabelle,” he greeted.

“Vernon, welcome back,” I replied.

“Thank you, Lady Annabelle,” raising his head, he noticed Layla but said nothing.

“Is the king free?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you,” and I turned to the door, knocked, and entered the room. It was an ancient office; everything about the office was old but still looking good. One side of the office was filled with books, and the other side had armor. Walking deeper into the room, we heard voices at the far end of the office, where there was a big table and a