Then, so quickly that some of the guests might not even have been aware of it, the two aides-de-camp took the King away.
Whether they were carrying him or he was walking between them, Zorina was not sure.
There was a door at the back of the room that they vanished through with a swiftness that seemed incredible.
Zorina was left staring in surprise and now the King’s chair beside her was empty.
A sudden hush spread over the assembled guests as Rudolf rose and walked from where he was sitting to take the King’s chair next to Zorina.
It was as if his action was an order for everyone to behave as if nothing had happened.
They recommenced their conversations and the room was instantly filled with a buzz of sound.
“What has – happened? Is your father – ill?” Zorina asked Rudolf.
Once aga
