The assassin had barely changed. The same features, the same hollow eyes, the same thin scar running along the edge of his jaw.
Ragnar felt his hands slowly curl into fists.
But he was not the only one caught off guard.
Hairan's eyes widened for the briefest second when he recognized the bound man. The reaction was subtle, so fleeting that most would have missed it entirely.
Yet just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished.
His expression smoothed over again, his usual mask sliding back into place.
When Ragnar managed to pull himself back under control, he realized Arik was already watching him.
"Your Highness," Arik said, regarding him with grim determination, "you are the only one who can tell us what truly happened that night my sister was killed. So please, speak the truth when addressing the court, and tell us if you recognize this man from that night."
Ragnar held the assassin's gaze for a long moment before slowly nodding.
