HER MAJESTYBelvedere watched Albert back into the furthest, darkest corner of the room. In direct opposition, a gaggle of leering faces moved forward into the light cast by the single lighted candle at its centre.
“Sire,” they said, as doors opened, and booted feet descended stone steps to kneel in unison beside Monk.
“You are all party to this… this disgrace?” Belvedere spluttered.
“Indeed, they are,” answered the sweet voice.
What happened next was sudden and violent. Belvedere knew not what had occurred until he opened his eyes from the far side of the room.
“I’ve got you, Bells,” said Albert to the man cradled in his arms. His look said more than words ever could.
“What’s going on, Albert, have I gone mad? Have I been cast into Hell?” he offered.
“If you have, my friend, then I
