"Beatrix," Steiner murmured. He'd heard already that she was missing, but that didn't stop it from hurting. And when both of them were gone, the queen had been left unprotected. It didn't even bear thinking about.

"Fear not, your Majesty!" Steiner addressed her in a clear, confident voice. She needed reassurance, so that's what he would give her. "Surely they will all return soon, as both you and I did. I am certain of it!"