I look back over my shoulder at the rubble and see Ladon waiting there, watching me curiously.
“Go!” I hiss, “Go find somewhere to hide before they kill you!”
He doesn’t move.
“I’ll be fine,” I assure him. “Just come back for me in a few minutes.”
He huffs a little, blowing a puff of smoke into the room before turning around and flying off into the moonlight.
When I turn back around, I see the King himself cowering behind an enormous chair. He’s trembling with fear, whimpering like a fool. His red hair is tousled and matted, his robe hanging untied from his protruding belly.
I’ve never seen him like this before… it’s much less intimidating than the sight of him in a towering throne with a giant crown upon his head and fine jewels adorning his fingers. He looks so normal. So human.
