“Where is she?” Vosgaris shouted, taking the last two steps in one huge bound. Guards all stared as he raced past, uncertain as to what to do. Isbel heard him and came out of her room and held out a hand. “Vosgaris – I’m so sorry,” she said softly. “Where is she, ma’am?” he said, his voice just under control. His hand clenched and unclenched. He was bathed in sweat and his eyes were wild. “My wife – I must see her!” “In your room, Vosgaris – be warned….” she was about to say the sight was not pretty but he was already gone, leaving the empress to shake her head sadly alone. He reached the door, guarded by two men. They stepped aside hurriedly and allowed their captain to wrench the door open and pass into the room. The still form of Alenna was lying, covered by a sheet, in the middle of the floor. With a sob he reached her, bent down and pulled the covering away from her face.
