46

At the main palace, preparations for the departure of the Crown Princess and his wife were in full swing. Despite their safe return, Noori remained unconscious, her slumber prolonged by the physician's strong sedatives. Bishop, upon learning of Noori's collapse, felt a sense of urgency to visit her at the main palace, but he was met with resistance at the gates.

"You cannot enter the palace without the permission of the king," the guard informed him sternly, blocking his path with unwavering resolve.

"Let me pass! I must see the Princess. I need to ensure she is alright," Bishop pleaded, his breaths coming out in labored gasps as he pressed against the invisible barrier of authority.

His fervent appeals fell on deaf ears, and he was left standing outside, his anxiety mounting with each passing moment.