_
Two hours before the annual year hunting started, the news of Windsor Collins' death traveled fast across all Eldrid, and the hunting was abandoned.
The officials quickly gathered in the royal courts, and Lucas was quite shocked to hear the news.
As he made his way into the courtroom, Lucas received more reports, and it turned out everyone else who was to be exiled was dead.
The great bronze doors to the audience hall stood open, letting in a rush of cold air and stunned officials.
Lucas stepped inside the room, and the ministers lowered their heads.
"Your Majesty."
He took his seat upon the throne and rested his fingers against the carved armrest.
Saint, the chief secretary, stepped forward and dropped to his knees.
"Report."
Saint swallowed.
"Lord Windsor was found dead at dawn in the eastern holding prison where he was confined after his exile. The guards reported that he took poison concealed within his sleeve."
A stir ran through the court.
"He committed suicide?"
