“Elena,” said Tacita, “what did Dylar mean when he said ‘if the King wills?’ Who is the king?”
“Christ Jesus,” replied Elena, bowing her head.
“Evviva Gesù!” exclaimed the girl with pleasant surprise. “And is Dylar the master of Castle Dylar?”
“He is sole master!”
“Am I allowed to ask if he has any title of nobility?”
“He is a prince,” said Elena.
She asked no more.
Later, when half asleep, she became aware of strange sounds from below, as of a heavy weight falling, and grating hinges.
“Don’t be afraid,” Elena said. “The men are putting the donkeys in their stable. And our chamber door is strongly barred.”