You could have heard the falling snow hit the grass in the ensuing silence. Not a single person spoke, as though giving the two visitors time to take in the news. To Seraphina’s surprise, Alios actually appeared shocked by the news, though not for the reason she had expected. “The Lady Magnolia is dead?” He demanded. “How? Why was the palace not informed?”
“Why would we tell?” Maxwell tossed back, holding his head higher. “We came across her corpse with your signature stamped through the scene.”
“Is that an accusation?” Alios hissed archly, his back growing straight. “Mind your words, Maxwell, and let me remind you that it is only my fondness for your mother that stays my hand.”
Fondness for his mother? Seraphina’s eyes darted to the king, and she wondered what relationship the two had
