Escape

Xander looked at the two ladies, the sleeping prince and the unusually calm Cafer. Something did not add up, but he was not sure which thing to address first.

"Cafer, you sneaky jackal! Already trying to find new ways to control the young man?" Baak laughed. The group lowered their weapons.

Brinn giggled, and Alvar did his best impression of a coquettish woman. He pushed out his chest and wiggled his hips. Brinn was equal parts amused and offended by his acting. She would make him apologize later for sinning against womankind, but she was glad that the men in the room did not seem to notice his awkward manner.

Baak furrowed his brow. "Your efforts will not do much good if the boy is sleeping. He has not even woken with all this commotion."

The king was right. Tired from the day and sedatives, Alaron had not stirred since everything began.

"Where did these women even come from? I did not see them enter," Xander did not sheath his sword, holding it firm in his unbroken hand.

"The servan