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 ...