40
Unwelcome News
William's head jerked up in startlement as the doors to the court opened with Commander Janson of the King’s Guard entering. It was unusual for the man to intrude on a court session, unusual enough that Alex stiffened next to him. William sensed the sudden barrier that his brother had thrown up between him and the rest of the court, though he doubted Alex really thought that the commander meant him any harm. It was perhaps in response to the grim expression on the commander’s face and his rushed pace—not quite a run, but only just under and certainly faster than his usual measured stride.
He stopped and bowed just in time, since William could see his own Elite were uneasy, their hands straying to the hilts of their swords. They relaxed marginally when the commander sto
