'When did he take over exactly?" I ask in an agitated tone, because now I realize that I must take back my throne besides worrying about Arabella.

'Yesterday afternoon. There had been whispers of your death running around the castle, and I suppose he must have been fueling them. Just afterwards, he declared that he was the rightful ruler now. No one stood in his way, so now he is wearing the crown and sitting in your spot." She pauses while staring at me and the blood covering my hands ...