The dungeon door closed behind Aldric with a heavy thud, and he turned his gaze towards the Fae guard standing stiffly at attention. Aldric could see the anxiety etched into the guard's features, a sight he was used to receiving from people whenever he was around them.
"Why are you the only one guarding the dungeon?" Aldric's voice was stern, his frown deepening.
Although Islinda's weapon and charms were neutralized, standard protocol dictated that the dungeon be guarded by at least two individuals. It was easier to outwit one guard, but nearly impossible to deceive two.
The guard, a young Fae trembling under Aldric's scrutiny, lowered his head and answered, "My lord, my partner left mere minutes ago to relieve himself." His voice quivered slightly.
This was the same guard who had previously believed that killing Islinda would be doing the realm a favor. Now, faced with the dark Fae prince, his bravado had vanished, replaced by fear.
