Bab 162: Handout

- I am guilty before each of you. - he declared loudly. – I am to blame for dragging you into what could be our common ruin. I'm sorry that I don't give you the right to choose, the right to retreat. My fault. But there is no other choice.

He paused to make sure that everyone remained in their original places and exuded the utmost attention. His heart was relieved, but the tension remained.

- My wife... Your queen... - he spoke these words with reluctance and stiffness. – She became a traitor to our people, betrayed our trust, our boundless love… She became a striking sword, cutting off the heads of our supporters, our people.

- Oh, well, why are you so slow? - Raphael drawled. - Just tell it like it is…

The king frowned in disgust at the vampire, clenching his fists to the point of pain, feeling his nails dig into the pads of his palms.