Less than half an hour later, the sound of galloping horses thundered outside the temple gates.
Derek burst through the main doors of the temple. He did not walk; he marched with long, furious strides. His dark cloak flared out behind him. The Grand Duke's face was pale, and deep worry was etched into every line of his features. Ian and a dozen heavily armed Thompson guards followed closely behind him, their hands on their swords.
The priests quickly parted to make way for the angry Duke.
" Your Grace." They greeted him.
Derek stopped in the middle of the main hall, looking around at the frightened temple workers.
"Where is my grandmother?" Derek asked. His voice was loud, demanding an immediate answer.
A nervous senior priest stepped forward, bowing low. "Your Grace," the priest said quickly, his hands shaking. "The Dowager Duchess is in the waiting room. The best physician is already in the temple and is attending to her right now. She is breathing. She will wake up soon."
