Emilia found Mary and Francis with Queen Catherine, waiting to greet the men who had just arrived.
"Emilia." Mary noticed her friend first. She was also the first to notice the worry etched across her face. "What's going on?" Before she could respond, the throng of men entered.
"Count Vincent." Catherine greeted. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Emilia could hear the cold distaste in her voice.
Emilia found Sam easily once all the Italians were in. The brute stood guard to Count Vincent. His dark gaze flicked over her almost dismissively as he took in the royals. A cruel smirk played at his lips and he shook his head slightly.
Emilia felt a cold dread wash over her. She knew nothing good could come of this.
"Mary." She whispered. "We must be careful with him. There's something that feels off about this visit." She looked over at the Count talking to Queen Catherine. She just hoped Ellyana knew of this.
As if on cue, a cloaked figure slipped in behind the Italians. Its hood turned toward Sam but did nothing. It had to be Ellyana. She and Francis nodded almost imperceptibly to each other and Emilia relaxed.
"I'm taking over the castle!" Count Vincent announced, unsheathing his sword. "Men, take the princes." Emilia made a move for her daggers, but Ellyana shook her head at her. None of the guards moved as Sam seized Francis. Vincent's other men moved to find his brothers.
Emilia lunged for Ellyana. Hopefully they mistook her for an Italian. "How could you do this?" She exclaimed.
Silent, Ellyana pushed her away and went in the opposite direction of Sam. Emilia glared until the Welsh girl was out of sight.
This had to be some sort of plan of Ellyana's. She would never allow someone to take the castle. There has to be more to it.
Emilia moved back to stand with Mary as the three other Scots were dragged in.
"My Queens." Count Vincent mocked. "Shall we?"
Sorry it's short. Next chapter will be really long