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[sub][@VitaVitaAR][@Psyker Landshark][/sub][/center]

Veilena's knight destroyed the crossbow.

And Serenity held back the desire to let [i]that[/i] spark any further suspicion.

With the assassin secured (Renar looked to be getting even more of a spotlight now), the rest of the guests settled down as well and it was easy enough to guide the two Princesses to a well-armored detachment of Crown Knights. Properly-equipped knights, with proper shields. Alongside them and Dame Lilette, there was little need for the Iron Roses to flock any longer, so her attention flickered towards Lady Cazst, sparing a smile that seemed almost apologetic, before striding off to join the Knight-Captain in her...

[i]"So I thought that tickling would be the easiest way..."[/i]

Serenity drew in a deep breath. Purged that particular bit of knowledge from her mind.

A nem assassin was a dime in a dozen, considering the boons that the Night Goddess bestowed them. One that was unwilling to cooperate though, and with a throat scarred beyond use? A disposable pawn, but not one hired off the streets for a fistful of coin. Regardless, extracting answers from them would be difficult without the expertise of a mind-seer. Which meant too, that there was no need to delay further with this.

[b]"Knight-Captain. Even if this assassin gave us an answer, without further information, the veracity of their claims cannot be confirmed, and to act upon it would be inefficient. It would be best to hand this over to the Crown Knights."[/b]

The Iron Rose were neither judge, jury, nor executioner. If not for their image as protectors, perhaps Renar would be justified in simply the diminutive nem's hands and legs. But Sir Felix, that half-brother of Renar's, certainly was eager for a share of the glory, even if it was only the aftermath. He came over as well, dull iron manacles in hand, ready to take in the assassin. No doubt eager to lead the nem away as if he had been the one to stop her.

Law and politics. That was the duty of the Crown, after all.

[b]"Ours is the shield and sword, safeguarding the weak and slaying the cruel. As for the extraction of truth from voiceless tools? That is the domain of those who watch over Aimlenn's dungeons."[/b]

Though their beliefs were misaligned, Serenity agreed with the Paladin on that point alone: torture and interrogation was pointless. Not only was royalty present, but so too were guests from all across the kingdom, from [i]beyond[/i] the kingdom.

This was not the wilderness, where they could do as they wished against blackhearted bandits marked for death. Here, within the Princess's ballroom? They had to be [i]exemplars[/i].