The air in the Royal Court was thick with tension. Nervous whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd of nobles, their eyes darting between Ryan and the imposing figure of King Albert on his throne.
"Duke Ryan," began Lord Valerian, his voice dripping with disdain, "you stood before this very court mere months ago, promising to apprehend this elusive murderer. Yet, we see no results. Only a growing list of victims."
Lord Theron, eager to curry favor with the king, chimed in, "Indeed, Lord Valerian speaks the truth. Count Edmund's death is the last straw, a reminder that this menace needs to be stopped."
Fear, like a venomous snake, slithered through the room. "What if I am next?" whispered Lady Anne, her voice trembling. "Or worse," she shuddered, "what if they target His Majesty? What if they seek to seize the throne? As it stands now we don't know their true motives."