The world is

Meanwhile, in the crown prince's chancery…

Joaquin was sitting on the chair behind the desk, his feet on it. He was holding a glass of rum, gripping it until ripples appeared on the surface of the alcohol inside. 

"Inez…" he narrowed his eyes, which emanated killing intent. 

The thought of Inez brought this unspeakable anger to his chest. His breathing grew heavier as his mind drifted back to the occurrence last night.

"Give me your word, and I will tell you who exactly took him, brother."

Joaquin squatted down to look Inez in the eye. She had this wicked smirk on her dirty face and the mockery in her eyes was apparent. 

"And what do you want in return?" he asked. "What sort of promise would you want from me, Inez? I'm sure freedom isn't the only thing you would want in return."

The side of her lips stretched broader. "Your arm, Joaquin," she dawdled, moving her face closer to the metal bars between them.