“My cousin shall have royal burial,” echoed the Princess Lilla. “It would be due you, Toron, for your share in the victory, if for no other reason.”
“I appreciate this courtesy more than words can express,” Toron replied.
The news of the capitulation had rapidly spread, and the huge hall was filling with Cupians from without. Among them came Emsul, Nan-nan, Hah Babbuh, Oya Buh, and even Poblath the Philosopher. Warm were the greetings between the friends.
“But where is our king?” Myles asked, as soon as he could free himself from all the congratulation.
“Now it can be told,” Poblath replied. “He is safe in the care of my wife Bthuh, in our villa at Lai.”
“The darling! I shall go to him at once,” Lilla announced.
“And I too,” Myles added.
“But no,” Hah Babbuh interposed, “for the populace are already gathering in the stadium and are demanding a speech from the great liberator.”
“So be it,” Myles said with a shrug of resignation. “Affairs of state cannot wait even the presence of the king, it seems.”
“But shall these black-togaed guards be permitted to retain their arms?” Emsul asked.