Chapter Fifty-Six: A Sense of Betrayal

Myrtle lodged in an inn that night.  As she lay to sleep she could only hope that her father had not begun to worry about her whereabouts. The next morning she arose early and made her way home first where she was greeted at the door by her worried mother.

After she had explained that work had made her spend the night outside she asked of her father who her mother told her had gone to the palace. She hurriedly ate breakfast before leaving the house for the palace.

Her findings the previous day had been troubling and she had hoped to get Artemis attention before court started but court was already in session when she walked in. She quietly took her place in court.

Vallus was saying, "There is a need for more food, your Majesty. The current population is more than we estimated,"

"Perhaps it is time to do a head count," Artemis replied. 

"Our finances are too tight for a headcount," Lord Tiberius said.