He grabbed the man by his collar and grabbed his jaw before twisting it with a sharp crack.
Adolph let the body collapse at his feet and cast his gaze around the courtyard.
The larger one that had been approaching paled, "Murderer!"
The others rushed towards the gates, calling for soldiers. When they were alone he turned to Laurel.
"Are you" His voice left him at Laurel's horrified expression. His heart lurched and he went stiff.
Had he scared her?
Her maid burst into tears behind her, trembling and pressing close to Laurel.
He reached for her and Laurel stepped back. The sight sent a lance of pain through his chest but he calmed himself.
"... Have I scared you?"
Laurel's jaw trembled. Her eyes darted between him and the man's body on the ground. Her hand twitched and inched towards her neck. It took everything in him to remain calm and still, waiting for her to respond to him.
He watched her carefully, listening to her heart beat start to slow as she breathed.
