“What could you possibly want to know that you have not already suspected?” Vale sputtered.

Roland loosened his grip on Vale’s throat enough for him to breathe, but not to get away. An eerie calm stole over his demeanor. “Why is it so important for you that Jacques and I return to the dungeon?”

Vale exhaled slowly, and his face became very serious before he answered. “There are things you do not understand about this kingdom. Things you are not prepared to handle as ruler. Neither of you.”

“So you mean to usurp me and take the castle for yourself?” He sneered. “I won’t let that happen.”

“I am quite aware of that, Sir,” Vale replied. Of course, there were measures he would take to prevent that, ones that he was certainly not about to allude to. “Now, is there anything else you’d like to know?” he asked impatiently.

Roland narrowed his gaze. “Yes.” He released Vale completely and took a step back. “The castle. I want to know why it is falling now, when both Jacques and I have returned. What is happening?”