Ero bursts into Ashen's chamber without knocking. He looks pale, as he breathes fast. "My lord…" he called out, then dropped to his knees. He bows his head and will not look up.
Ashen snaps awake as he moves fast, hands gentle as he straightens Lumina on the bed.
"Why barge into my chambers like this?" he asked in whispers as he tried to control his voice.
"My lord… There is trouble," Ero stammers. "Cyres is dead."
Lumina's head jerks up. Her eyes flutter open, shock written on her face. "How… what happened?" she asked.
Ero's mouth works. "They say…" He swallows. "You and my lady are called to the palace. Now."
The words land like a stone. Ashen's face goes hard. He moves to take Lumina's hand.
At that moment Adam's voice rings like thunder from the hallway. "Where is that bastard of a brother of mine? Arrest him!"
Ashen looks at Lumina as she grabs his shirt, throat tight. "Don't…" she starts.
"They want to arrest you," Ero says quickly.
