---- His mouth opened in gurgling gasps, hands reaching out to grab me, to fight back.


    His eyes widened, filled with shock and silent usations.


    I watched as the light of life faded from their depths.


    [''m sorry.


    You were a good soldier.


    Now, sacrifice yourself for your Duke onest time.


    ---- I stepped aside, letting his lifeless body copse onto the carpet, where the blood immediately began to soak in.


    I shrugged off my tunic and tossed it over the corpse.


    Pulling a handkerchief from my trouser pocket, I wiped my hands clean.


    Then, I pulled the golden cord, summoning my butler.


    He arrived within minutes.


    Wrap the body in the carpet and take it to the furnaces.


    Burn it make sure not even ashes remain.


    And needless to say, this soldier was never here.


    He was one of the traitors along with the general, T said, dropping ice cubes into my drink.


    The other guards present that day would soon suffer terrible and fatal idents as well.


    Yes, sir.


    Dont worry, ll handle it wlessly, he assured me.


    I turned to face him.


    you''d better, Alfred.


    Because you know very well what will happen to your daughters if you ever think of betraying me.


    N-No, sir.


    You know Im loyal, he said quickly, lowering his head in submission.


    Thope so, I muttered, downing my drink in one go.


    Is Brenda in the salon? Yes, sir.


    Inodded, heading for the door as he rolled up the carpet with the body inside.


    I stepped over it carefully, making sure not to stain my boots with blood.


    ---- and rece the letter opener.


    BAM! Immed the door shut behind me, striding down the hall, scowling.


    I would not make the same mistake as that fool Elliot, who had the enemy right under his roof and let them y him for a fool because he was too soft-handed.


    I paid for the butlers daughters to attend private school.


    At first, he had been so grateful, unaware that it was my way of ensuring his loyaltyof keeping his offspring as my hostages.


    If he ever betrayed me, his precious little girls wouldnt make it home for the next holiday season.


    Thurried to my chambers to change, just in case I had been sttered with blood, and to freshen up.


    Not every day did I get the pleasure of finally caging that lioness.


    I was certain of her surrender.


    And I would savor every moment of it.