"Please…" Serena managed to croak, but the hand only clamped tighter around her throat. Her toes scraped helplessly against the stone floor as Charlotte pressed her back, suspending her weight with ease.
Serena had never expected things to turn this violently. She had crept into her room with care, not a single guard noting her absence or return. The gift and the letter were tucked neatly together on the desk, hidden in plain sight. She had even locked her door before descending to the hall for supper.
Charlotte had been seated already, oddly quiet. Her expression was unreadable. Then, before Serena could draw a proper breath, she had been struck clean off her feet.
"Charlotte-"
That had been her only word before the woman was on her, hand to her throat, lifting her with practiced fury.
