Mr. Albert simply shivered at his words. The words stung him—words he couldn't deny as truth, but words he didn't wish to acknowledge at the moment.
"So..." the Emperor stared at him. "Go right now and begin making preparations. I don't have all the time to wait. I want it handled as quickly as possible so I can focus on finding that wizard."
He was still giving instructions when they were distracted by a knock at the door.
The Emperor seemed frustrated as he looked up. "And who's that?"
A guard made his way inside and went down on his knees. He had brought an urgent report.
"And what is it?" the Emperor questioned. "Speak now."
"The Imperial Princess has escaped," the guard said. He explained how they had found a rope by her windowsill and how there was no sign of her anywhere.
