Our Beloved Tyrants Scene 53

Alexandreina continued to approach the stairway, but more stealthily then before, and keeping her back to the wall, in spite of the dust and cobwebs. From close at hand there was a voice; deep, imperative, and in a language and accent she could not place, though they were familiar. Then the rays of moonlight were suddenly blocked out and she heard steps descending. Crouching in the shadows, she watched as a man – unmistakably so, and definitely not one of the servants – came down the steps, carrying a scimitar in one hand and a small book in the other. He wore a distinctive uniform, with a loose-fitting red tunic and breeches, and a tall white cap bearing a golden badge, adorned with stars, and although he had no beard, his moustache was both thick and long.