The sound was sharp, like a pistol cocking in the quiet room.

Two palace guards pushed the doors open, stepping aside to make way.

Three men in dark suits entered the room.

The man in the lead was tall, with graying hair and the sharp, observant eyes of a seasoned investigator.

He carried a leather portfolio under his arm.

“Your Majesty,” the lead investigator said, offering a stiff, formal bow to the King.

“I am Inspector Keller, Swiss Federal Police.”

“You are expected,” King Alaric said, gesturing to the center of the room.

Keller looked at me, giving a brief, professional nod.

“Commander Carter,” he said. “Your documentation was verified by our consulate in Zurich.”

“The frozen assets?” I asked.

“The Swiss accounts holding the Carter family trust have been locked by federal order,” Keller said.

He opened his portfolio and drew out a thick packet of papers bearing official stamps.

“The court has approved the emergency petition to redirect the funds.”

I felt a tight knot in my chest begin to loosen, if only slightly.

“Every dollar is now legally designated for the medical custody of Margaret Carter,” I said.