Continue the Story
The Alpha Queen Returns – Episode 10
The clinic was quiet enough for Jessica to hear the faint bubbling of a tonic over the stove. Ambassador Ansel stood near her desk, confirming that the billion-dollar transfer had cleared. For the first time since leaving the Russo estate, Jessica felt some of the pressure ease from her chest. Whatever difficulties Caroline faced, money would no longer be among them. She had even begun planning a surprise visit once the banquet ended.
“If there are no further instructions, My Queen, I should prepare for General Sarabeth’s welcome banquet.” Ansel secured his communication tablet inside his coat and bowed. “The first guests have already arrived.”
Jessica nodded. “Keep the Council focused on the rogue threat. Sarabeth should not have to fight politicians while she’s fighting our enemies.”
Ansel turned toward the door. Before he reached it, the door flew inward and struck the wall. A powerful aura swept through the clinic, stirring papers across the counter and making the tonic flame shudder blue.
General Sarabeth stormed inside with Mina and several elite soldiers behind her. Fury had stripped away every trace of ceremony. Ansel barely had time to say her name before she crossed the room and drove her fist into his face.
The blow sent him staggering against a shelf. Glass jars rattled above his head as he caught himself, one hand clamped to his jaw. “What in the Moon Goddess’s name did I do?”
“Sarabeth!” Jessica rose so quickly that her chair overturned. Mina looked equally shocked; judging by her expression, the assault had not been part of any plan.
Sarabeth advanced on Ansel again. “You bastard. If this were left to me, I would skin you alive and hang what remained above the Council doors.” The soldiers at the entrance shifted uneasily. They had followed Sarabeth into hopeless battles, but few had ever seen discipline fail her so completely.
Ansel straightened despite the blood at the corner of his mouth. Confusion replaced his usual diplomatic calm. “I have no idea what you’re accusing me of.”
“Enough.” Jessica’s command cracked through the clinic, carrying the authority of the throne she claimed to have abandoned. Even Sarabeth stopped. “You will explain what has gotten into you.”
The general turned toward her queen. Anger still blazed in her eyes, but pain lived beneath it—disappointment, frustration, and something dangerously close to grief. “It’s Caroline.”
Jessica went cold. Every other concern vanished. “What about my daughter?”
Sarabeth held her gaze. “Did you honestly believe she was better off with the Russo family than with you?” The question contained no deference, only the outrage of an old friend who had discovered a wound too deep for politeness.
“She belongs with children her age,” Jessica answered, though certainty no longer came as easily. “Caroline is happy there.”
“Happy?” A bitter laugh escaped Sarabeth. “Is that what you call it when a child is starved, threatened, and forced to work on her knees?”
Jessica’s heartbeat stumbled. “What are you talking about?”
“Did you investigate the Russos before you entrusted them with her? Did you ever visit without warning or speak to Caroline where they couldn’t hear?” Sarabeth pointed at Jessica, the gesture bordering on insubordination. “Or did you accept every report because it described the life you wanted her to have?”
No answer came. Years ago, Ansel had presented the Russos as wealthy, respected, and loyal to the Council. Jessica had been desperate to give Caroline everything court life could not provide. Once the decision was made, she had treated reassurance as proof. Admitting that now felt like discovering her own hand on the weapon that had hurt her child.
Ansel stepped away from the shelf. “General, tell us exactly what happened.”
Sarabeth rounded on him. “You recommended that family. Your name gave Jessica a reason to trust them.”
