At his side, Xander reached out and grabbed Pippa, dragging her close to him in his excitement and forcing the terrified priestess to watch. “This is going to be so good,” he whispered. “Archibald,” Damien grunted, meeting the man’s eyes, “would you please consider releasing my father, Zagadoth the Tempestuous, from his occlusion crystal?” The king sniffled, his brow pinched, and then shook his head. Damien tipped his head slightly. “But…please?” Archibald’s horrified eyes went narrow. “No?” Damien clicked his tongue, straightened, and crossed his arms. “Well, that didn’t work.”
