The name that was mentioned by the knight rang a bell in the mind of Duke Wauter. He had his reservations and ought to have held on to them, but instead he chose the most logical approach.
"Maxim, you said... is that correct?" asked the Duke.
Maxim didn't waste any second to reply in the affirmative.
"Yes, milord. I am Maxim indeed!"
Wauter sighed, then he focused his gaze on his nephew instead.
"My prince... Is it that I have grown weary of reason or this knight is indeed supposed to be a sworn aide by the king's side?" asked Wauter.
Aldrich hesitated for a minute, because he feared an indirect scolding from his uncle if he should present the wrong answer to his question.
Over an hour ago, as soon as Aldrich had stormed out of his mother— the Queen's side prior to the ominous blackout, he had quickly but secretly arranged for a knight of sworn loyalty to the newly appointed king to be lured over to his side.
