He shook his head.
"That is not war," Derek spat. "That is slaughter. That is the act of a coward."
The spy gritted his teeth. He remembered his training. He remembered Prince Liam's threat. If you are caught, deny everything.
"I..." the spy stammered. "I only did this for my personal reasons."
Derek raised an eyebrow. "Personal reasons?"
"Yes," the spy lied. "I... I have a grudge against the Thompson family. My brother... he was punished by your father years ago. I wanted revenge. No one else was involved. I acted alone."
The spy looked at Derek, hoping the lie would hold.
Derek stared at him for a long moment. The tent was silent, save for the spy's ragged breathing.
Then, Derek chuckled.
It was a dark, dry sound. It wasn't amusement. It was the sound of a predator who has cornered its prey.
"You acted alone," Derek repeated.
