The news spread as fast as a storm wind.
The King went out. Alone.
No guards. No royal protector. No cavalry escort or shielding spells. Only his cloak cutting through the night wind as he stepped beyond Valtherion's main gate.
The soldiers on duty staggered in shock. They barely had time to bow hurriedly before Mathien vanished into the stone corridor and forest path. Even his footsteps left no sound behind.
A few seconds later, the palace erupted in chaos.
"WHAT?!" Advisor Orlem shouted, dropping his scroll of magic. "Without guards? Has he gone mad?!"
"Where did he go?! Quickly! Prepare the horses! Summon the elite regiment!" Captain Reginald bellowed from down the hall.
The palace, usually calm, turned into a beehive. Servants dashed about, advisors scrambled for answers, and court mages unfurled enchanted maps to trace the King's whereabouts.
It didn't take long for the news to reach the royal family's quarters.
