"Don't threaten my father," Roman shouted. "He is the Duke of Varos!"
The market noise dipped as heads turned toward Damian and Eilika. One of the thugs sneered, leaning in close. "What was that, kid?"
"You heard me, you bad uncle!" Roman stood his ground, though Eilika quickly pressed her hand over his mouth to silence him.
The tall man let out a harsh, mocking bark of laughter. "If he's the Duke, then I'm the Commander of the Royal Army." He unsheathed a dagger, leveling it at Damian's throat.
Before the blade could find its mark, Maurice appeared. The ring of his sword clashing against the dagger sent the attacker stumbling back. The other three men bristled, their postures shifting from thugs to panicked amateurs as they realized they were facing a trained swordsman.
Within a minute, all four men were pinned to the cobbles. A heavy silence fell over the crowd as the realization set in– the Duke and Duchess were truly standing among them.
