#Chapter 11: Preparing for War

I gave him a blank look as I processed the news. My ex lover, who drugged me and coerced me to lock away my wife. Why would they ever want to meet with me again after that? Rage outpowered the confusion as I recalled Cathy admitting to me that Emily was behind the assassination attempt. A coldness passed through me, and I nodded with a scheming smile. “Tell them to meet with me at my other cottage. Please accompany their needs until I arrive.” Let them enjoy their last meal, their last sip of wine. The guard obeyed and swiftly retreated north down the dirt path, closer to the palace where I resided when I did not want to be under my mother and father's jurisdiction. The cottage that hosted our wedding night, the wedding night Emily tarnished. When I shut the door, I was grateful Cathy was tucked away in the kitchen. I contemplated how I was going to announce the request. I did not want her to rage in front of Theo. Bracing for the storm that she would m