The messenger ( arrived in Hadrian’s office just as he was on his way out. His brow furrowed at her, looking from the girl to the package in her arms. It was uncharacteristic, near unheard of, for Hadrian to open packages or mail himself. That was for his assistants to sort, so having one delivered directly was…odd. No matter. Hadrian waved a hand to the staff assistant sitting in his office behind him.

“Give it to Lieutenant Crowe,” Hadrian said, gathering the last of his papers and preparing the leave the office. The messenger did so and the staff assistant began to process the package as Hadrian headed out the door. Hadrian, however, did not make it far.

The scream had him turning on his heel and flying back into his office. The box lay open on Lieutenant Crowe’s lap. Peering inside, Hadrian saw the hands and his stomach turned. He looked down and saw a letter attached to the inside of the lid which he snatched up and red.

Members of a prominent noble family were dead. The people of Rainecourt Rule were claiming credit. Hadrian may be suspicious of the king as of late, but surely this matter was above such things.

“Seal this package and write a report for the king at once,” Hadrian said, “He should know of this immediately.”

Hadrian would see that knowledge of the matter did not leave the confines of his office until the king Cassian Rainecourt had been fully briefed.

[ END THREAD ]