her blood filled him , replacing the foul taste of the guard 's blood on his tongue . he 'd never expect her to be serious about shooting someone with a gun . by now , they were both breathing heavily . `` he needs you , too , you know , even more than you need him . `` i beg your pardon , '' he said , very politely , `` but all strangers are brought before the king at once . seems like everybody was here , claw interrupted as he went downstairs . 