So that was the mystery.
"Guards!" Henry thundered.
The guards rushed in.
Henry handed Stephen over to them, careful despite his rage. "Make sure he gets to his room." He turned to his mother. "How dare you?!"
Theodora's face twisted with outrage. "How dare I? How dare you!"
"I warned you to leave it alone!"
"And thank God I didn't!" Theodora snapped back, stepping toward him. "Is that why everyone around you was too stupid to tell me the truth!"
Madeleine's eyes flicked between them, wide and hungry.
"You drugged my personal valet for information on your king."
"He is a servant."
"He is my servant."
"He was keeping secrets that were destroying you!"
"I am your king!"
Mother and son stood facing each other, both breathing hard, both wounded.
Henry's hands clenched at his sides. "You will be punished."
Theodora's lips parted in disbelief. "You will punish your own mother?" She laughed. "Do not be ridiculous."
