Murder In The Pleasure House (2)

The door suddenly burst open with Elena's figure securely held close to Gabriel's chest. He ran his fingers on her silky hair, his eyes icely trained on the unannounced intruder.

"Has manners and courtesy fled from everyone in this damned castle?" He asked, and only then did Elena notice there was someone else in the room. She craned her neck to the direction of the door, the familiar figure of Darion gladdening her heart.

"I've never been known to have manners and courtesy, Your Highness. My Lady," he offered a slight bow at Elena which had Gabriel crease his brows.

"Where were you in the hour my husband needed you the most?" Elena asked, her eyes never batting for once. If Darion had been there last night, maybe all of this would have been avoided.

"His Highness never admires my services My Lady," he replied, his hands rested on the hilt of his sword.