Bernibus grew more enraged, and the King was spurred on by it.

"Oh yes, you know what I speak of. Your brother-in-law told us where you
and your wife were living, and not only that, for he also told us when
you would be there."

Bernibus became even more flushed with anger and vehemently asked
Wagner, "Why, you heartless brute? What could you possibly value more
than your own sister's life?"

"It was a pledge to the Zards of our intention to abide by the
agreement, what more precious thing could I give then my own sister?" He
spoke calmly and spitefully, enjoying the end of his long charade of
nicety, "Besides, the council was falling for her peace talk, as they
always give great heed to every member of the royal family, and I was
not strong enough at that time to control them, as I do now.
Unfortunately for me you were out at the moment of the attack and able
to escape, but still it was a favorable outcome," Wagner said, sneering
at Bernibus' outrage.

But Bernibus was not to be taken lightly, and neither was he to let the
love of his life go undefended. He leapt at Wagner and grabbed the
remote to the atomic anionizers from his belt, where it was always
clipped. Wagner tried to get it back, but Bernibus was too strong and
hurled him to the ground. Then he took a few steps backwards and stood
his ground far enough from everyone to have at least a moment to react
before they could reach him. He held the remote out towards Wagner,
pointing it at him as if it were itself a weapon, with his thumb and
forefinger in position to set it off at a moment's notice.