The guards stiffened at Dorothy’s command before moving toward Althea.
“No! Please, no! You can’t do this to her, My Lady!” Melva cried out hysterically, trying to push forward, but was held back.
Althea, however, did not flinch. She caught Melva’s trembling hand and squeezed it firmly, her calm eyes meeting her maid’s frantic ones.
“Stay calm,” she said softly, almost soothingly. “I’ll be out soon…”
Then she leaned closer, her lips barely moving as she whispered in Melva’s ear, “Focus on the task at hand.”
Melva nodded, but worry clouded her eyes. Althea smiled softly and even gave her a playful wink, trying to pacify her friend.
“No need to drag me. I’ll come with you. Please, lead the way,” she said calmly to the guards.
They hesitated, glancing at Dorothy, who gave them a signal
