Kilthanis froze briefly at the sudden loud pounding. He stiffened momentarily and then took a deep breath. Apparently, he was wrong about the amount of time he had before facing this latest challenge. He had hoped to have at least had the evening. But apparently the Emperor was so thirsty for his blood, that his men had prevailed upon the local magistrate to wake up and sign the warrant for his arrest.

Kelsey’s eyes widened and her hand went to her throat. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, imploring her with his eyes, silently asking her to remain calm.

The pounding continued. With another deep breath, Kilthanis descended the stairs, waving the servant away who had hurried to answer the insistent knocking. He paused, hand on the door, bracing himself. He turned the lock and threw the door open wide.

Standing before him were two men in Imperial uniform. They were alone. This took Kilthanis by surprise. He assumed that members of the local constabulary would be present to enforce the warrant and take him into custody. “Good evening, gentlemen,” Kilthanis said calmly. “I am prepared to surrender myself into your custody.”

The first man, whose rank insignia marked him as a captain, stepped forward. “Surrender, Lord D’Endray? Whatever for?”

Confusion washed over Kilthanis’s face. “You’re not here to arrest me?”

The captain shook his head. “If you’re wanted for arrest sir, this is the first I’ve heard of it. I’m afraid it’s the lady of the house I’m here for.”

Kilthanis turned back to look up the stairs at Kelsey. Speaking back over his shoulder, he asked “And what do you want with the Lady D’Ember, Captain?”

“I’m afraid she’s under arrest for treason, milord.”

“Treason?!” Kelsey’s voice cracked and she started to stomp down the stairs, her eyes blazing. Kilthanis interposed himself between Kelsey and the soldiers at the door.

“What is the meaning of this, Captain? On what basis do you accuse my betrothed of treason?”

“Lord D’Endray, she is condemned by her own lips. You yourself just accused her, as well.”

Kilthanis’s eyes widened, flaring. “You’ve been spying on this house? By what right?” Kelsey came to a stop behind Kilthanis, her face coloring at the implication of the Captain’s words.

“Sir, we had a valid Imperial warrant to monitor this house. It was issued by the Emperor and duly registered with the local magistrate. I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to step aside, milord.”

“Captain, I’m not standing between you and my beloved for her sake. I’m standing here for yours. And whether or not your warrant is valid, what you heard was free speech, not treason.”

“I’m afraid, sir,” the Captain said, “that’s not up to you to determine.” He placed a hand on Kilthanis’s shoulder. “Now I need you to stand aside, sir. The lady is coming with us.”