Two lean men stood at the entrance, armor dull and their posture relaxed, too relaxed. It was odd, considering they were guarding none other than the former king of Purlit and his entire family. But that was when the truth clicked in Abuchi's mind.
"They don't expect them to escape," he whispered under his breath. "They are overconfident."
John gave a tight nod. "Or arrogant. The new king knows his brother would not leave his family, even if he could."
And he was right.
Inside the damp, mold slick cells, the former king, disheveled but regal, still held his composure. He had long since discovered a hidden weakness in the dungeon wall, a possible escape route. But he never used it. Not without his wife. Not without Ruth.
Even now, chained beside them, his wife's eyes remained fierce.
Abuchi clenched his fists at the sight of Ruth from a small window. Just hold on a little longer, he thought.
