I slid out of bed, carrying Rael, who refused to let go, and walked to the door. A guard snapped to attention as I opened it.
"Please summon Prince Rael's caretaker," I instructed.
"At once, Your Majesty."
We waited in the doorway. Rael's head was heavy on my shoulder, his breathing finally leveling out. But when footsteps approached, it wasn't the caretaker. It was the same guard, his face flushed and his eyes darting nervously.
"Where is the caretaker?" I asked, a frown deepening on my face.
"Your Majesty… she is currently nowhere to be found ."
"Then summon King Caelen," I said, my patience fraying.
The guard looked even more miserable. "His Majesty is also… unavailable at the moment, Sire."
"Unavailable? What does that mean? He's a guest in this palace, not a prisoner. Where is he?"
"He is currently… engaged in a duel, Your Majesty. With Emperor Soren. In the training yard."
