Bab 57: [Bonus chapter] Unholy Transmutation - Part 17

Dobry Manor

Ogni Territory,

Rodakrov

~

"You know he killed him. Bozhidar may have been mad, but he wasn't suicidal."

Svetu looked over to Ivon, a strong brow cocked.

"Opinions are running wild, I see. Still, regicide is hardly a reason to rescind fealty. That's precisely how the Kazbirati's gained the throne, after all."

"But what of patricide?"

The duchess sighed, not bothering to offer Rurik a look. He was just saying it to stoke the fire. As if he really cared this way or that whether Nikolai committed such an act. The big oak of a man reminded Svetu of a moose. Strong, obstinate, and steady. But occasionally, a flicker of foxlike troublemaking could be glimpsed in his green gaze.

"No different than regicide. Thank you for your enlightening input, Rurik."

His amusement took the form of a gruff exhale.

"An animal that is suffering is put out of its misery."