The king stalked the darkened halls, armed and armored against the accursed disquiet that had been eating at his mind since the evening's ball. Something about the eyes on himβ¦
As he turned back to his rooms, a flicker of firelight vanished behind a corner. Gripping his blade tight, he dashed into the ill-lit crossing.
All he met was a single, guttering candle stump, the hallways empty beyond. He watched in confusion as it burned out, the only light in the darkness gone.
And the king ignited.