Book Eight: Chapter 149

“Anyone can look for it, my lord.” The queen stepped away from her husband, who was already eying the magical blade.

“But it can only be found by those who are supposed to seek it out!” Vincentius yelled this. “What part of this did you not understand? Do you not think I have already looked for it?”

The king knelt down and grabbed the hilt of the sword and pulled. His face turned bright red as he struggled with it. Vincentius watched in disgust for nearly a minute before he gestured at his men.

“Take him away,” he said. “If they fail to pull the blade, you know what to do. Do what you will with anyone beyond the age of fertility.”

“My lord?” The queen’s voice was barely a squeak. Vincentius growled playfully as he took a single step that somehow took him across the room. He caressed the queen’s jaw and turned her head.

“Do not despair, child. For if you should fail here, you shall become part of my flock. A good shepherd cares for--”

Nyx’s eyes we