The Captain of the Guard freezes before he can grab my arm, shocked at Prince Kaine’s declaration. “You’re… protecting the mole?” He asked, stunned. A murmur goes through the crowd, everyone else appearing as shocked about Prince Kaine’s demands as the captain is. Prince Kaine has a reputation for showing no mercy to traitors, and now he is giving me a private audience. There is a beat, but no one leaves, reluctant to believe me innocent or to miss any drama. Prince Kaine’s gaze sweeps across the room giving nothing away. “Did you not hear me?” I said, “get out.” His demand is met by a rush of movement as most of the guards file out of the room, but the captain and a few onlookers remain, eager to see what happens next. The captain eyes me, pure hatred shining from his dark pupils. The

