Faye's eyes bore into Sterling with a fiery anger. "Your mind is being carried away by madness," she said firmly, her voice cutting through the air. "Put an end to this nonsensical behavior right now."
As Sterling watched, his eyes widening in disbelief, he saw Faye's bloodied hands release their grip on the dagger, causing it to fall to the ground with a thud as she backed off, her sapphire eyes giving away how startled she was by her own actions.
He noticed a sadness cloud her delicate features and fat tears streaming down her reddened cheeks. Faye was lost for words to apologize to as Sterling collapsed on to the muddy ground at her feet.
Kylek and Kalandra let out sighs of relief, seeing the Duke lying silent and unconscious, his sword now out of reach.
With the help of the escort knights, Sir Proud and Kylek lifted the Duke onto a stallion, ready to take him back to the fortress.
——
