Lily finally allowed herself to breakdown once she reached the safety of her own room. The Empress, who hadn't comforted anyone in a long time, hesitantly wrapped her frail arms around Lily as the girl sobbed.
"He killed them!" Lily wailed. "My lovebirds that were-were a gi-ift from Ja-James!"
Lily's shoulders heaved up and down as Empress Sophia patted her back. Not for the first time, Empress Sophia chastised herself. This was all her fault. She should have been more vigilant and her son had warned her a few times, albeit covertly, that Vesky was not to be trusted. She'd made a huge mistake. Now her son was in prison, the royal family was in danger and this poor girl was trying to help them.
Sophia looked down helplessly at Lily, guilt consuming her once again.
* * *
"Whe
