“I’m going to have William sign the amnesty for you.” Doris gripped Beth’s hand. “You can be free and go anywhere in the world you want. You don’t have to spend your days looking after me or anyone else at the palace—you can be free.”

“I…” Beth’s hands shook. “That’s very kind, Doris—“

“It’s not kindness I’m giving you, it’s the right thing to do. You should have been freed months ago but you had to stay because of me. You deserve to be a free woman.” Doris swallowed. “I’m sorry that I couldn’t free you sooner. I wanted to the moment I got back but then everything just kept...