The assassin had underestimated the king.
People had always claimed Rowan was nothing like his brother, that he was merciful where Alaric had been cruel, yet at that moment he no longer knew what to believe.
"Arghhh..." he screamed as the flames continued to consume his hair, and soon the sickening smell of burnt flesh filled the air. Cedric instinctively turned to Rowan, intending to stop him, but before he could utter another word, Rowan's sharp voice cut through the room.
"Don't."
Cedric immediately fell silent.
"Please..." The assassin, who had been arrogant only moments earlier, cried out desperately.
His screams pierced through the dungeon and echoed into the nearby halls of the palace, startling those who heard them and leaving everyone wondering what horror could produce such unbearable cries.
