Chapter 168

Maxi had been idly occupied with embroidery when the deafening cheers outside startled her.

A long trumpet blast announced the victory. The sound seemed to infuse her with new vigor, and she felt like a bear rising from its winter hibernation. The great forces of evil that had plagued her life with pain and adversity from late spring till now had finally raised a white flag.

Maxi cracked open the window. She gazed out over the forest of elm trees, which now wore the colors of autumn, and put on her slippers. A healer entered her room bearing a tray just as she was wrapping a shawl around her shoulders.

The healer looked surprised. "Do you require anything, my lady? I will bring it to you at once if you let me know what it is."

"I-I wish… to go to the main castle. I want to hear news about the campaign party…"

"I will order a maidservant to bring back the news for you. You must not leave your room yet."