The plot thickens

Ulrich blinked at the king in confusion, "May I ask why you want the hair-changer and her records, Your Majesty?"

He seemed genuinely baffled as to how an inquiry about a stray servant in the palace turned into such an investigation.

"You may not." The king frowned, pointing to the letter once again. "You asked what this was, where it came from. The answer, according to this servant you accuse of being out of bed improperly, is that you either dropped it yourself or didn't see it because you failed to adequately patrol your area."

"He dared accuse me—" Ulrich sputtered.

"He dared not do anything except inform me of what he found, but if he speaks the truth, then that is the only conclusion," The King's eyes narrowed, and Trace wanted to shrink backward.

He didn't want to get anyone innocent in trouble. Was his lie going to get Ulrich fired, or worse, wrongfully executed?