~ NYSSA
Evelyn led us to a small cottage in the middle of town with a thatched roof and flowerpots at the windowsill. She glanced back at us, her eyes soft and silently pleading.
"Please don't hurt her," she said softly. "I will take whatever punishment you have for her, just… she is a good woman."
Rowan said nothing, his jaw clenched and eyes cold.
I saw the desperation in her eyes, and I knew without a doubt that she was not the monster that he thought she was. She was just a girl trying to protect the woman who raised her.
"We just want to talk," I assured her. "I promise."
Evelyn knocked twice before reaching into her pocket and pulling out a key. The door unlocked easily and as soon as it swung open, I was greeted with the scent of cocoa and gingerbread.
"Evelyn!" a warm voice called from inside. "Is that you? Oh my sweet girl, I heard about what happened. Why didn't you come to me the minute you got out of—oh, Your Majesties."
