When they returned to their apartments Torren told Pettic that he would expect him at dinner with the rest of the family that evening. Pettic, he said, had been a part of the family for many years and had always eaten with them, and he expected no difference now. Pettic smiled and said he would be there.
That evening, when they had finished eating, the king summoned Pettic to his private office. There he sat down behind his desk and began to speak severely.
"I had a complaint about your conduct just before you went away," said the king. "It was to your rooms that two innocent young ladies came for a game of cards with you and Prince Torren. I understand that you suggested a game of strip poker. I also understand that the young ladies objected, but you insisted, even threatening them if t
