Ariella’s POV
“We searched everywhere, your majesty. They are just…just gone.”
The guard’s words hung in the air like smoke from a fresh fire.
Edric’s face twisted from confusion straight into volcanic rage. “What do you mean by just gone?! Are they suddenly spirits?” he bellowed, voice cracking the hall like thunder.
Spittle flew from his lips. His hands clenched into fists so tight the knuckles went bone-white.
“They won’t have gone far! Lock every exit…now! Every warrior, every guard, every damn servant who can hold a sword…send them out! Hunt them down! Bring that useless queen and my heir back to me or I’ll have your heads on pikes by sunrise!”
Orders flew like arrows. Guards scrambled, boots slamming against the blood-streaked marble. Shouts echoed down the corridors outside.
