He was going to be beheaded. He was sure of it.

He ran through the courtyard to the red double doors, the blood-like paint beckoning him like the call of the executioner.

“I have news for Her Majesty. Let me pass.” He stared down the door attendant, who immediately opened the heavy doors.

The ancient, regal woman sat frozen in mild surprise as he entered. He had interrupted something, he noticed, as one of the Queen’s daughters was bent over whispering something into the Queen’s ear.

The princess noticed his arrival and immediately straightened, giving him an icy glare before she left through a side door.

He couldn’t help but admire the young woman’s beauty before turning his attention again to the Queen.

“I do not remember summoning you, Dabrose.” Her voice echoed through the empty room.

“You didn’t. I have some, ah, unfortunate news. The Bender’s Key. It has been stolen.”

Not a second after he had spoken, the Queen yanked a lever on her throne he hadn’t noticed and simply left the room.