After the banquet ended, Ethan had drunk himself into a stupor at some point and slipped into a heavy sleep.
When he opened his eyes, a bucket of cold water hit him full in the face.
A familiar voice reached him through the shock. "Ethan. You've finally fallen into my hands."
Ethan shook his head clear. Around him stood a ring of broad, heavyset men.
Edmund stood at the center of them, his expression dark and settled.
He looked down at Ethan, bound and unable to move, and the frustration etched into his face had nowhere left to go.
"Ethan. Did you really think this day would never come?"
Ethan's eyes went quiet and still. "Uncle Edmund. Why did it have to come to this?"
Edmund laughed without warmth. "Still so composed." He clapped his hands once, signaling his men to bring the oth
