***

“This way, sir!” Rishe’s guard guided Oliver, the crown prince’s attendant, to the parlor.

“How is her condition?”

“She looked pale, as if just sitting up was difficult for her. My partner Kamil is looking after her right now.”

“Who else knows of this?” Oliver demanded.

“Lady Rishe’s maid, at her request. No one else.”

“Good.”

Arnold’s standing orders were that any unforeseen circumstances involving Rishe should be dealt with discreetly, with as few people involved as possible, to avoid rumors spreading throughout the imperial palace.

Especially with Prince Theodore sticking his nose in,Oliver thought.What a mess.

They needed to move Rishe stealthily and summon a trusted doctor. Oliver was working out the logistics of this as they arrived in the parlor.

“Lady Rishe, how are—” Oliver’s voice died in his throat. The guard’s eyes went wide as he looked into the room.

The parlor was empty. Kamil, Elsie, and the unconscious Rishe were gone.

“Sir, what do we do, what do we—”

Oliver put a placating hand on the guard’s arm. “I will report to His Highness at once. Do nothing until we know his orders.”