The shift had begun even before the princes arrived at the palace. Queen Elena was no longer hiding. Watching Diana die before her had taken something from within. She nodded and walked back to the throne room, all cold and unresponsive.
The ministers who had gathered outside to witness the burning of the witch marched in like chariots of betrayal. Her eyes did not leave them, not even after they took their seats, smiling as if they had just overturned the bad governance of the kingdom.
"The princes seek the council's audience," a guard stepped in and announced.
"Princes?" the ministers asked amongst themselves, a little puzzled.
"Could they have come from another land to pay their condolences?" Minister Stella asked, but it did not make sense.
"The Crown Prince has only been dead for less than five hours. How could the news have travelled so quickly?" Minister Brandon pondered.
