He heard the hissing, tasted the grease in the air and knew who came a calling; one always recognises one’s own handiwork. The thudding of brass pistons and copper-plated feet confirmed his acuity. She, though one might have been mistaken for thinking the sound an it, uttered a single guttural command to the guards Robert had not even realised were stationed outside.
“Open.”
The heavy door groaned inwards its ancient hinges, reluctant to comply, but not even metal dared disobey Victoria.
“Do you not bow before your monarch?” The sound of long since replaced vocal cords rattled around the cell.
“I cannot, Your Majesty,” Robert whimpered.
“Then, we shall make you.”
Robert found himself grabbed beneath each armpit and hauled with unceremonious agony from the floor. There the two guards
