The sound of a banshee woke Emilia. Grabbing the nearest weapon, which happened to be one of Lola's knitting needles, she rushed to check on Mary. As it turned out, Mary's screams were caused by a stag head. It dripped blood over the coverlet, giving off a noxious smell.
"Mary." She ran to her queen's side, the needle now forgotten on the floor. "Mary, are you alright?" She could see the tears glistening in her friends eyes. "Come on." She helped her out of bed, leading her over to a chair in the far corner.
"Who could have done this?" Mary whispered.
"Pagans." Sebastian cursed, entering the room with Francis. The Dauphin sat next to Mary, taking her hands in his own.
"Oh god, what's happened here?" Catherine asked, standing at the door.
"You need to get out of here." Francis and Emilia helped the young queen up and led her from the room.
"Clean this up. Now." Sebastian ordered one of the guards.
"Find who did this." Francis ordered. "Find them and bring them to me."
"We will find these men Mary." Emilia promised.
"I will find them." Ellyana corrected. "You will stay with the queen."
Anger flared inside. "You need me and Bash to-"
"No, I don't." Ellyana left without another word, a blur of movement. Emilia and Bash exchanged a look of exasperation.
"I've said it too many times to count. I wish she would use her head more." Emilia sighed.
"Mary," Francis said. "What's on your hand?" He opened her palm, showing the stag horn burn from the necklace.
"Francis..." Mary began.
"What is going on?"
"Pagans have marked her." Emilia answered.
"Why?"
"Ask your brother." Emilia turned on her heels and stalked away.
She walked purposefully down the corridors, looking out for any other tricks planted by the Pagans.
"Emilia!" Marque called from behind her. "Emilia, I heard what happened. Is Queen Mary alright?"
"She's fine." She answered stiffly. "Shaken, but fine."
"Who's done this?"
"Pagans."
"They've gotten into the castle?"
"Yes. And they're after Mary."
"How?"
"I will explain everything later." She kissed him on the cheek. "I'm scoping the castle now."
"Be careful." He kissed her. "I'll leave you to it."
"Wait." Emilia grabbed his arm. "I want to apologies for the other day."
"Don't. You were right." He kissed her head. "I'll see you tonight."