CHAPTER 19
King Carrodias and Geoffrey approached the rear gates of the city. Geoffrey wore a robe with a hood. He had folded his straw down so that the guards wouldn’t recognize him.
They greeted an asparagus guard at the cream-colored gates.
“Stop. The gates are closed,” the guard said.
“We are leaving the city,” King Carrodias said. He spoke lower than normal to mask his voice.
“No one is allowed in or out. Lady Duxelle’s orders.”
The king continued toward the door, but the guard drew his sword.
“Take off your robes so that I may see your faces,” the guard said. “You two are suspicious.”
“Can’t we just pass?” Geoffrey asked.
The guard shook his head. “If you need to leave, schedule a visit to the castle and state your complaint to Lady Duxelle. She is not accepting visitors rig
