The guard's sword lifted high, its blade catching the dim torchlight, a cruel gleam dancing along the sharp edge. The first girl whimpered, a strangled, broken sound that barely had time to escape before the sword came down.
A sickening thud.
Her head hit the cold stone floor, rolling slightly before coming to a stop, lifeless eyes staring into the void. Blood pooled quickly, seeping into the cracks of the ground, its rich crimson stark against the pale marble. The two remaining maids gasped, their bodies locking in sheer terror, hands trembling in their laps as they tried to stifle their sobs.
King Alfenzo didn't flinch. He merely removed his gloves one finger at a time, his expression unreadable.
He crouched before the second girl, tilting his head slightly as he studied her. "Not a single drop of elven grace in you," he muttered, almost bored. "Such a shame."
The second maid choked on a sob. "P-please, Your Majesty—"
His eyes darkened.