Élodie's fingers shook. There was no time left. Madeleine picked up a piece of cloth from the bed with trembling fingers. She rolled it in her hands, pressed it between her teeth, and bit down hard.
Her eyes locked on Élodie's.
Do it.
Élodie swallowed then she raised the knife and stabbed into Madeleine's shoulder. Pain exploded through Madeleine so suddenly the world vanished into white heat. She screamed into the cloth, the sound trapped and strangled between her teeth, her body folding beneath the shock of it. She could not think, only feel the blinding, sickening pain.
Madeleine's knees gave way. She tore the cloth from her mouth and forced herself to speak through clenched teeth. "Go…"
Élodie stared at her, horrified. "Your Highness—"
"Go," Madeleine gritted out.
