The Return

[Victor Steiner]

He knew what the prince wanted, he also knew that he was obliged to obey the command of his prince and that the prince knew this. Strange then that what could be obtained so easily by command, would instead be phrased as request. Victor believed, much like his brothers at large, that the Steiners were done. They had done their duty, they sat as the left and right hands of the Queen and the House and enjoyed their time in the sun, and now they retired into obscurity.

Victor blamed William, it was his idea to send letters out. Now look what happened. Very well your highness. You have my sword, once again. For whatever you may need it for, I shall endeavour to carry out your commands to the best of my abilities.

Something told him he would regret that oath, nevertheless it was done. Even as the words came from his mouth he knew in speaking them, events were almost instantaneously taking place that would have dire repercussions for his family. They would need to return, all of them, to Cambridge. Elizabeth Hall would have to be told, although he could not say for certain that she would welcome their return.