The heavy silence in the main hall felt like a held breath after the front door clicked shut behind the crown prince who had left after raining insults on them. Arthur almost couldn't believe that he was insulted by the one he once called a slave. Cedric stood frozen near the stairs, his brother's words echoing in the hollow space.
'Make it believable enough that the Rodinas stop searching.'
His eyes met Arthur's. There was no cruelty in Arthur's gaze, just a chilling, absolute certainty. A plan was being executed. Cedric felt a cold sweat break out under his collar. He had to get to Noel. But Arthur's next words were a command, not a suggestion.
"Cedric. The hospital," Arthur said, his voice slicing through the tension. "Your absence is becoming notable. Go. Do your rounds. Be seen."
"Arthur, I—"
