The guard returned to the altar fast—but not too fast to look suspicious.
The entire room turned to him like a firing squad.
The Don stood, arms folded. "Well?"
Raven glared, her veil already tilted like it was ready for war. "Where. Is. Nico?"
The priest looked up hopefully. "Should I continue or…?"
The guard cleared his throat, chest puffed out like he had something to say.
He didn't.
He was sweating.
"I—I didn't see the King," he said quickly. "No sign of him anywhere, sir. Maybe he stepped out for fresh air?"
The Don narrowed his eyes.
"Fresh air?" Raven repeated slowly, like it was a threat.
The guard nodded nervously. "Yes. Air. You know, the thing we breathe."
Everyone stared.
Dead silence.
The guard swallowed. "He definitely wasn't in the hallway toilet… doing anything… with anyone."
Raven blinked. "Excuse me?"
"I—I mean he's not there. Like, not at all. Clean restroom. No noise. Very boring. I checked."
The Don stared him down.
