Chapter 121

Chapter 121

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"His Majesty has become addicted to peace, Sir Parma."

Parma listened to him in silence, his head bowed.

Outside, the afternoon sun beat down fiercely. Yet within the room, where blackout curtains had been drawn over every window but one, a coolness lingered.

"Peace is truly beautiful, and truly weak. How weak it makes a man."

The voice, pitched low and muted, sounded almost indifferent.

Magnus had his back to Parma. His summer cloak cast a long, trailing shadow.

"Bring it here."

Parma carried the cage he held over to him.

At Magnus's gesture, he opened the cage door, and a blue bird crept stealthily out.

Just as Pepe, watching for an opening, was about to take flight, Magnus seized the bird by the wing.

"Squawk!"

Caught by one wing, Pepe flapped wildly.

But with a single wing, he could not break free of that…