ian

riage drew near, I ga

il tore from her throat, piercing the wind. "G

The crowd erupted. "It really is the 'Wraith's'

ess must have heard the commot

harp. "Who is making this noise! Do you know the

as if I might collapse at any moment. I mumbled, my voice just loud e

to the guests beside him. "That girl has been kneeling all the way from the east

g my forehead down hard against the frozen sto

sion darkened. This wasn't just an a

, my body went limp. I pitched forward, my face burying i

my side. "Someone, help! Please, help

in glances. One of them hurr

in a warm hat, Matron Agnes, looked out, her expression cold

carriage door. I kept my eyes closed, pl

ed me, then the blood-stained uniform and banner on the gr

house. She... she is the twin sister of the 'Wraith of the Spine.' When she heard of

the insignia on the shoulder. "That is indeed the unif

l, authoritative female voice s

d. "Your Highness, sh

er inside." The voice

armth and expensive perfume washed over me,

t groan as I "regained consciousness." I slowly opened my eyes and found m

ss Gen

ful and impeccably maintained, but her bro

asked. Her voice was just as I

apsing back. I gasped for breath. "Your Highness... forgive

seemed to touch her. The suspicion in her

g moment before speaking to Matron

but it was the first si

ffered. "Thank you, Your Highness... but unti

her eyes. A weak girl with such an iron will... it remin

ph through me. "Very well. Your devotion is moving. In tha

princess. This was better t

the Joseph family dares to trea