"Yes, yes." The King gestured to Vogall. "Find the woman and bring her to me. Then, I will decide her fate."
Vogall rose and began backing out of the room when the door burst open.
"Your Majesty, I come with news."
"More of the rebels at the gates?"
"No, your majesty, worse."
The King chuckled. "What? Is Beormaen falling to the ground?"
The guard looked puzzled. "No, your Majesty."
"Then what?"
"The woman with the red robes. She has escaped."
"Another escape!"
"And your majesty, she has taken the other prisoner with her."
The King stood suddenly, screamed, then fainted.
No one moved to catch the King or help him up.
Dakkard Cain did not raise a hand to aid the would-be King. Instead, he took a few steps forward and sat on the throne, calmly situating himself, then leaned back.
