The guard's words hung heavily in the room.
"We've got another attack."
Akshay was already on his feet.
"Where?"
"The lower districts."
The guard struggled to catch his breath.
"Near the eastern trade tunnels."
The king's expression darkened.
"Casualties?"
"We don't know yet."
---
Akshay immediately grabbed his crown from the table and placed it on his head.
The transformation was almost instant.
The tired man disappeared.
The king remained.
"Gather the city guard."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The guard hurried from the room.
Akshay turned toward Kai and Andre.
"You two stay here."
Andre stood up.
"No."
Akshay closed his eyes.
"I wasn't asking."
"And I wasn't agreeing."
Kai already felt a headache coming.
"You escaped prison six hours ago."
Akshay pointed directly at Andre.
"You are literally the last person I should bring."
Andre grinned.
"Which is why I'll be useful."
"That's not how that works."
"It is for me."
Akshay sighed.
Long.
Deep.
Resigned.
Then he looked at Kai.
"You too?"
Kai thought for a moment.
Then nodded.
"Probably."
The king looked toward the ceiling.
Perhaps searching for divine patience.
Apparently he didn't find any.
"Fine."
He pointed toward both of them.
"You follow orders."
Andre laughed.
Akshay immediately corrected himself.