Sixty four

Eliza’s POV

“Eliza, we have to go back to the palace.” my brother suddenly ushered me away to the waiting car before I could open my mouth and protest.

"Eliza?” he said, his voice low and urgent. “Get in.”

I frowned, looking up at him. "What's wrong? What's going on?"

But he just shook his head. "Not here. Let's get in the car.”

"Alex, please," I said, trying to keep my voice light. "Tell me what's going on. Is it Father? Is something wrong?"

He finally turned to me, his eyes grave. "We'll talk about it when we return to the palace," he said.

Bernard sat beside me, and we remained silent, but I felt so alone. What was going on that we had to go home so soon? The rest of the ride was torture. I could feel my anxiety growing with every passing minute. What could be wrong with Father? He was the most muscular man I knew.

When we finally arrived at the palace, he helped me out of the car, and we entered the grand hall. The servants were all huddled together in a corner, whispering amon