It was late, long after all of mousedom had settled down for the evening, when there was a knock at the door. Lighting a candle and donning his housecoat, the father made his way to the door and opened it. There he saw a face his family trusted, wearing a menacing grin.
It would be the last face the family ever saw.
xxxxx
He was on his knees, begging her to reconsider, but there was no changing her mind. He had to leave, if for no other reason than for the peace of mind of the people.
"I see no other option. The empire no longer trusts you, and if I allow you to stay, the will begin to question my judgment."
Not looking up, the young mouse asked Her Majesty, "You believe them, then? You think I'm the one to blame?"
The queen hesitated. "I don't know who else it could have been. Witnesses have clearly stated that it was you they saw outside the house." She paused. "You have until sundown tomorrow to evacuate. The guards will be watching."
His shoulders slumped as he hung his head. Rising slowly, he turned and exited the throne room, barely hearing the queen say, "I'm sorry, Basil."