While waiting for Wilfred to return, Ed’s eyes trailed between the guards, as he made sure not to make any sudden movements. He remained completely still under the threat of being shot. I don’t want to go through that again.

Several minutes passed in awkward silence, as Elaine coldly stared at Ed, her hand raised in preparation to command the guards to fire.

Eventually, Wilfred returned to his position beside Elaine. “There was a man with that appearance in the area your Majesty. The footage does confirm that everything this man said was true. I have also checked previous footage, and the man was seen nearby both before and after the previous attack.” He whispered to her.

Elaine nodded and thought for a moment. “And what have you found about this man?”

“He had spent the past several hours before arriving at the café in line at a job agency. Before that he was seen at a library for the entire morning. Before that, he had signed a rental agreement and was seen leaving the office building of a company called Hellish Habits. By all known accounts, this man had just entered the city a few days ago and was not here for the first of these attacks.” Wilfred reported.

“We shall correct this mistake. Is there any knowledge of where the suspect is now?” Elaine asked.

“We are currently searching for him. Reports will come in to keep us updated on the hunt, and I assure you he will be captured the second we find him your Highness.”

Elaine nodded slightly in acknowledgement, all the while staring at Ed. She commanded the guards to lower their weapons, and personally went to unlock the cell door.

Ed released his focus on the threads, pulling them back into his body as he bowed. “Thank you, your Highness.”

“It was my mistake. Father has always told us to follow proper etiquette, so I sincerely apologise for this transgression.” She said sincerely, even bowing slightly at Ed.

Ed was surprised for a moment, but quickly accepted the apology.

With a wave of her hand, the guards dispersed, leaving Ed alone with Elaine and her butler.

“Follow me.” She said, before walking back down the hallway.

Where is she taking me? Ed followed behind them, unsure of what exactly was going on.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

They walked down the hallway in silence, passing by rows upon rows of cells. Each time they passed by a guard, Ed watched as they bowed heavily to the princess.

Eventually, the hallway became brighter, as they found their way to one of the exits. Walking up the stairs, Ed found himself inside a long, opulent hallway. He saw servants shuttling back and forth between rooms. Maids were scattered across the hall, making sure every part of it was constantly spotless.

Walking down the hallway for several minutes, Ed lost count of just how many people he had seen before he was led into a small dining room.

Servants were waiting behind each chair at the lavish table, and when the princess walked to the head of the table, the servant pulled her seat out for her.

“Go get us some food please.” Elaine said. Immediately, the servant moved away from her chair and left the room, while Wilfred took their place. Elaine then turned to Ed, who was still standing at the door. “Have a seat.”

What is happening here? Everything seems to be looking better, but I should still be careful. Ed walked to the chair across from her, which was pulled out by the servant. At least they’re being courteous.

“Once again, I would like to apologise for the way you have been treated. You have received a rather poor welcome to our city, and I am to blame for that. I was too eager in my actions, and that reflects poorly on me and my family. I hope that this meal will show my sincerity.” Elaine said, sincerely wanting to fix her mistake.

As she spoke, the servant from before returned with a cart of food. There was a veritable buffet of cakes and biscuits, all of which looked delicious. In the centre was a freshly brewed pot of tea.

The servant behind Ed prepared him a plate so that he could taste each of the things on display, while the servant who brought in the cart did the same for Elaine, picking out the treats he knew were to her liking. Two more servants prepared each of them a cup of tea.

Everything was set down in front of Ed in a matter of moments. Seeing Elaine pick up the cup of tea without saying anything, Ed guessed that there wouldn’t be too much conversation. Hoping to silence his hungry stomach, he decided to forgo the tea for now, setting his sights on the food.

A delicious looking scone caught his eye, so he picked it up and bit into it. The bread was light and fluffy, and it had the perfect amount of jam and cream. Ed sat in the moment, simply enjoying the taste of the scone, and the peacefulness of it all. Inside the palace walls, he was unable to hear the sounds of destruction that were ever-present in the city. The palace felt distant from the rest of the city, despite being right in the heart of it.

Looking around the room, he found the decorations to be pleasing to the eye. Everything looked lavish and expensive, but not overdone to the point of being gaudy or distasteful.

The two sat there in silence, enjoying the food put before them. After they were done with their plates, another cart was brought in, this time only carrying two dishes that were covered with lids.

“The main course has arrived; I hope that it is to your satisfaction.” Elaine said.

As the dishes were placed in front of them, the lids were taken off, allowing a cloud of steam to be released into the air. It was a delectable and juicy looking steak.

Ed’s stomach grumbled and he gulped as he stared at the steak.

Elaine laughed before picking up her cutlery. “Please dig in. I’m sure you’re hungry. We can discuss important matters after.”