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The Empress is Dead
Zan stared in disbelief at the clothing on the long wooden table. The other members were in various states of shock. Some took the news stoically while Birger was a blubbering mess.
"How can you be sure this belongs to the Empress?" The silver-eyed man tried to deny what was before him.
Cafer spread his hands apart and sighed. "You were not anywhere to be found so I took some liberties. I have called the cobbler, dress maker and royal physician. They will determine if this evidence is genuine."
"Where did it even come from?" Zan was immediately suspicious.
"It appeared mysteriously on the palace steps this morning wrapped in brown parchment. The maid who found it screamed and nearly passed out. We convinced her that it was just a joke by some ill-bred city youth."
Just then the doctor arrived followed shortly by a seamstress and cobbler. While the doctor carried himself with dignity in front of such an auspicious group, the two commoners looked ter
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