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I looked at him, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
“Because you said you were sick?”
“Oh…that’s right. That does make sense. Good thing your father isn’t here to catch it.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him sick.”
“Neither have I.”
* * *
By midday, I still hadn’t seen Harlow.
She hadn’t returned to her bedroom, hadn’t been spotted in the castle either. I was certain she was fine, just lost track of time, found someone who made her forget all her responsibilities. But with Huntley gone, I wasn’t quite myself, and I started to worry when I didn’t need to worry.
When dinner arrived and she still hadn’t returned, the mild concern turned into something more potent. Harlow might have lost track of time or gotten wrapped up in the throes of young love, but she would never make me wait this long to see her. She’d never pulled a stunt like this before, always sneaking back into her bedroom before breakfast so her father would never suspect a thing.
I went to General Henry, the soldier my husband had appointed decades ago, the position my son would inherit once Henry was ready to retire. “General Henry, I haven’t seen Harlow since yesterday, and I’m starting to worry.”
“When was the last time you saw her?”
“When we said goodbye to Huntley.”
“Any idea where she could be?”
“She must be in the village. I don’t know anywhere else she would go.”
He gave a nod. “I’ll dispatch the soldiers to look for her.”
“And be discreet. I don’t anyone to know that she is missing.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
“I’ll speak to her friends and see if I can gather anything.”
“Alright.”
Before I left the castle, I ditched my dress and donned my uniform to go into town, bringing my bow and quiver of arrows, along with my blade. My heart raced in my chest with terror, and I wanted answers immediately. And if that meant I had to put a blade to someone’s throat, so be it.
I went to Ethan first, afraid he’d done something to my daughter in retribution for her breaking his heart. Ethan seemed like a nice guy, and I reminded myself of that fact, but when my daughter was missing, the stress made me think illogically.
I pounded on the door harder than I meant to, and Ethan answered it quickly, like he’d been working in the shop.
He blinked twice as he stared at me, clearly bewildered by my presence. “Uh, Queen Rolfe…Your Majesty.” He opened the door wide and stepped back, giving me the space to enter his shop.
I stepped inside and ignored the statue in the center of the room as I glanced at every corner, looking for any sign of Harlow. “Ethan, I’m looking for my daughter. Have you seen her?” I faced the young man, my heart so weak it might give out, but I spoke with the confidence of someone worthy of the crown.
“You’re looking for Harlow?” he asked, his eyebrows slightly raised. “I haven’t seen her since last night.”
“Where did you see her?”
“We talked at the bar. I tried to work things out with her…again, but she turned me down.”
“Was she alone? Was she with anyone?”
He took a breath. “When was the last time you saw her?” Now he shared my unease, his fear mirroring mine exactly.
“When her father left. So, yesterday afternoon. Please answer my question.”
