Three black armored Escalades with diplomatic flags pulled up beneath Maya's fire escape.
Men in charcoal trench coats and tactical earpieces stepped out, scanning the tenement building with thermal scopes.
"Christian, something's wrong," Maya whispered, pulling him away from the window.
Christian's posture changed in an instant. The gentle amnesiac roommate was gone, replaced by a lethal combatant whose instincts had suddenly ignited.
The apartment door was kicked off its hinges with a splintering crash. Four armed men rushed into the hallway with drawn sidearms.
The lead officer took one look at Christian and immediately holstered his weapon, dropping to one knee.
"Your Royal Highness, Crown Prince Ethan. The King is on his deathbed. The realm demands your return."