The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle. Christopher Healy

      “Son, it’s so lovely to see you back home again,” Gareth said.

      “We’re so happy you finally came to the right decision regarding this marriage,” Gertrude added. She touched her hand to Liam’s cheek, but he brushed it away.

      He leaned over and whispered into his father’s ear, “I know what you did, Father. All those years ago. With the actors whom you left rotting in prison.”

      “Humph,” Gareth grunted and whispered back, “I don’t see those two walking around free, so I guess you were smart enough to keep it to yourself.”

      “You’re despicable,” Liam hissed.

      “I guess it’s hereditary,” the king spat back. And he returned his attention to Briar Rose. “Come, my dear,” he said. “There is so much to show you. This vase back here, for instance, was imported from the treasury in Kom-Pai. It’s over two thousand years old and—”

      “Yeah, whatever, I don’t care about that,” Briar said. She walked away from the king. “Where’s your treasure room?”