Alexander took Sofia to the throne room and had the guards open the door. He held her hand and walked inside the room with her. The subjects of Arimelari felt happy to see her but none of them showed in their faces. It had become a crime to smile or celebrate in Arimelari.
They wore blank faces in their seats. The King and queen took their seats at the throne and looked down on the subjects.
"Here is the queen. Now you may go on," the King said. His voice is icy as usual.
A man in his late forties with white hair in his head stood up. He took his place before the king and queen and bowed to the king and queen. He stood straight and faced the queen.
"Your Highness, we have come to you to plead for your help," he said to her.
