CHAPTER 77
The people stared keenly at her. As they left the hall, hush whispers rippled through the air.
A councilor raised his hand for attention, standing just outside the palace steps.
They all fell silent, gathering around him.
"We all heard the king," he began. "What do we have to say?"
A wave of murmurs rolled through the gathering.
"I do have my suspicions," an elderly, bald-headed man said, voice gravelly.
Heads turned sharply.
"Who could it be?" a few whispered.
The elder cleared his throat, his voice rough with age. "There are signs," he said slowly. "When a man feels threatened, he does anything, everything, to protect his dignity."
The councilor nodded thoughtfully. "Very true, Elder."
"Often, the things done in fear are never planned. Sometimes they're just reactions," the elder continued, adjusting his cloak.
The crowd watched, some confused, others curious.
"So, who do you suspect?" a young woman asked.
