Chapter 132: Missing Marquis Burton
The early morning light dawned over thick black smoke as the cremation piles smouldered, darkening the sky to the point that it was nearly impossible to tell night from day.
For the residents of Burton, this was a day that they would never forget. Not just the thick smoke, but the smell that came with it, as the bodies had been doused in thick tar oil to help them burn.
The remnants of the Dagos army were in full retreat, not attempting to hold formation, and Dominic wondered how much banditry was going to increase between here and the border.
Many would not want to go home and face the results of a lost war, but they couldn’t stay in Cygnia. Even their accent would give them away as foreign soldiers, if their face didn’t do it first.
But that wasn’t Dominic’s first concern.
"What do you mean, ’The Marquis is missing’?" He asked in an even tone that made the Guard Commander’s spine shiver.
"Just that, Lord Advisor. This morning, his quarters were empty. His maid is also missing, along with a small amount of his clothing. There were no signs of a struggle, but he cannot be found, and he was not seen leaving the Keep." The guard explained.
Princess Alexis gave a nod to the Royal Guard, and they sent a pair of soldiers to search the secret exit tunnel for signs of recent usage.
"The Marquis was in a delicate mental state, but I hesitate to think that he would have harmed himself. Could it have been more traitors?" The guard asked.
"That is possible. But it is also possible that he has secluded himself for his mental health. The Royal Guard is joining the search now, but we will need you to bring the eldest Son here to stand in his father’s place while he is unwell." Dominic insisted.
"Lord James is... going to need a few minutes to prepare." The guard stammered.