Chapter 3 - The Palace Games
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Queen Pasiphaë folded the third letter from Syracuse into her sleeve as footsteps approached. The supply manifests lay scattered across her desk - evidence of the bleeding. Eleven wagons this week. Seventeen last week. The exodus had begun.
Behind her, the door swung open without announcement. She already knew who it was. Even her own husband knocked before entering.
"Majesty." Lieutenant Theron's tone suggested mockery more than respect. "The execution is scheduled for the twelfth hour."
She didn't turn. "On whose authority?"
"The King's standing orders regarding desertion." His footsteps crossed her chamber uninvited. "Any attempt to flee the island constitutes treason. The harbor master made his choice."
"Minos didn't authorize-"
"The King has been occupied with his project. I simply follow his orders."
Theron picked up one of her letters from the writing desk, not bothering to ask for permission. "Correspondence from Rhodes? Their governor seeks extensions. Syracuse made similar requests. Everyone senses weakness."