"They were good customers up until the robbery," the bartender offered.
Veyron closed his eyes for a full second and let out a breath.
"As I was saying, under the authority of King Landon Solv—"
Guinevere raised her hand to ask a question. Nicholas's hand immediately covered her mouth before any words came out.
"SHE HAD HER HAND UP." The purse woman pointed at Nicholas. "YOU. The gentleman. I defended you. Let. Her. Speak."
"LET HER SPEAK." One voice. Then five. Then the entire bar. Nicholas was now being booed alongside the Kingsguard. He had been demoted from gentleman to oppressor in under three seconds.
He let out a breath and moved his hand.
"Thank you, good citizens and light bearers," Guinevere began. "Your commitment to justice is deeply moving and I will remember this bar fondly during my incarceration. The gentleman holding me is acting in my best interest. His actions are precautionary not oppressive."
