Ruby’s footsteps echoed softly over the polished marble as she approached the library doors. The faint scent of burning cedar wafted through the air, the warmth of the fire behind them doing little to ease the chill gathering in her bones.
Two guards, broad-shouldered and immovable, shifted to block her path. Fredrick, standing slightly behind them, stepped forward with a frown.
“Your Majesty,” he murmured urgently, his voice barely above a whisper, “I must beg you not to plead for the Princess. The King has made his decision; interfering will only worsen the matter.” He pauses as both make haste towards the king's wing.
"Besides, this matter might be a political case; therefore, I cannot stress enough-" He was cut off.
Ruby’s gaze sharpened. “I am not pleading for her because of my
