The valet bowed low, his forehead damp with sweat. "Y-Your Majesty… we've captured a spy—an infiltrator from Elysia. Inside the castle."
For a brief moment, the world seemed to still.
Arthur's expression hardened. "What did you just say?"
"A spy, Your Majesty," the valet repeated, voice trembling slightly. "The castle guards uncovered him near the east wing. I was ordered to report it to you immediately. I came as fast as I could."
Arthur's jaw tightened, his mind already racing through a dozen possibilities. A spy? Here, in his stronghold?
"Lead the way," he said coldly, striding toward the door. "I want to see this for myself."
Without another word, Arthur swept past the valet, his boots striking against the polished marble floor with sharp, deliberate steps. The young man hurried after him, barely keeping pace.
Guards along the corridor straightened at the sight of the king, their hands instinctively resting on the hilts of their swords. Whispers died in their throats.
