Evanna stared at her father, shocked that he had asked her to do such a thing. He was the King, and his word was final, yet he was lending his authority to her. It made the nobles stir, their whispers angry and confused. Why would the illegitimate daughter wield such power? All the nobles knew Princess Isabel had always been known as the King's favourite. So how could this be?
Evanna glanced at the boys sitting beside their sister. William and George didn't completely understand what was happening, but their expressions revealed that they knew enough to realise their mother was in serious trouble. The oldest looked at Evanna; his eyes were hopeful. Hopeful that Evanna would give his mother mercy. She had to look away. His little look would unravel all the years of bullying and assassination attempts. She would not cave to it, but she also couldn't stare back at them as she told them of their mother's fate.
