(Claudia is missing)

EVERETT

I turned on my right side and slowly opened my eyes. I huffed and closed my eyes very tight. I opened it again, and I stared at the window. The curtains were up, and I could see the peaks of some trees in the palace.

I didn’t have a good night’s sleep at all. I couldn’t stop thinking about what Annette said. I knew I shouldn’t believe her but I can’t ask myself why? Why would you come up with such a lie? “Annette doesn’t lie to me… except now she does.” I yanked the bedsheets off my body and threw my legs off the bed. I sat up and threw my head from the right to the left, making a cracking sound. I felt better.

“I need to talk to Clarence.” I turned back and saw some guards standing at the door. Their heads were up and their faces were straight and plain. “Call me Clarence. I need him in my chamber right now,” I ordered, and they bowed. Two of them walked out, while I stood up and walked to my wardrobe. I picked up my cotton robe and wore it. I tied its rope and walked to my