With a forceful shove, he jumped in front of me. I didn't ask him to and I've never pretended to be helpless where I've needed somebody else to protect me. He toppled on my legs and rolled on his back with a bolt sticking from his chest.
“Bastard," I growled at the attacker.
The room burst into chaos and someone yelled, “Finish the job!"
“Arrest that man!"
“To arms! Defend the duke!" a nobleman shouted.
I scurried out from under the minister's body as Velador rushed over.
The assailant ran towards me with his blade in hand. As he swung, I crouched under him and used my body to fling him over top of me. He crashed into the steps leading up to the throne and I pulled the sword from the ground.
“Shields around the duchess!" Velador shouted while he knelt over the minister. Blood
