In Which Jonathan is Trying to Kill Roger
"Show him in," says King Jonathan, engrossed in his paperwork.
A man bursts past the guards at the door and stands over Jonathan, spitting mad.
"This is the last straw, Jonathan! Enough, I tell you! An assassin disguised as a barber?" Roger of Conté slams his palm down on the desk. The guards reach for their swords.
Jonathan's pen pauses. He looks up mildly. "Hello, Roger. What on earth are you talking about?"
"Here!" Roger points to where a razor-sized stripe of beard is missing along his throat. "He nearly killed me!"
Jonathan contemplates his older cousin's neck. "It looks like you had a close shave."
Roger howls with fury and lunges across the desk. The guards are on him in a second, twisting his arms behind his back and subduing his struggles. Jonathan smoothes his tunic and straightens his papers.
Roger quivers with suppressed rage. "I'm sorry about your parents, Jonathan, but for the last time: I have no designs on your throne, your person, the life of your terrifying queen or your barbarian horde of children! I only want to be left alone!"
Jonathan's eyes narrow. "I'm a tolerant man, Cousin, but it doesn't look very good when you come in here and make baseless accusations and wild threats. Other people might get the wrong impression."
Roger shuts up.
"Show him out," Jonathan tells the guards.
The door closes. Left in peace, Jonathan smiles slightly. He removes a list from his desk drawer and crosses off another item.