Cedric watched as the guard's body fell to the ground, and he turned away, the smile on his face dropping back into a cold, impassive expression. He handed the blood-stained sword to Sir Roland, who accepted it with a solemn nod.
Still trying to maintain his composure, Cedric withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the blood from his hand. "Ready the archers," Cedric barked, ordering the nearest guards. "Set traps at the entrances. Make sure the gates are secure, and the drawbridge is raised. No one is to enter the castle; if you find anyone moving suspiciously, do not hesitate to neutralize them." If he had failed to keep the vampires under control while they attacked the city, the least he could do was ensure they could not make it into the palace, which was his safe place.
The guards nodded quickly, a look of fear in their eyes. "Yes, sire!" The three said in unison before scrambling to carry out the king's command.
