"Release him", Keitel ordered.
"But your Majesty!" the guard argued. Keitel's eyes narrowed as he set them upon the guards.
"That's an order", Keitel dictated in a stern voice. The guard reluctantly opened the cell door. Lucia was released. She followed silently after the Prince as he led the way. They arrived in the palace courtyard. Together they proceeded into the gardens without exchanging a word.
"Aren't you going to ask me why I was there?", Lucia said finally. Keitel turned to her abruptly.
"Would you tell me the truth if I did?", he responded in a low voice.
"What will happen now?" Lucia asked, her voice barely coming out.
"You'll be put on leave for breaking orders. I've had the rest of the charges dropped", Keitel responded flatly, "Go back home to Ramelle. Take some time away".
"Is that an order?"
"Is that what it will take? Are you going to make me order you to go?"
"No. I will go if that's what you want"
